Philippine Catfish

Clarias batrachus

Also known as: Albino Clarias, Asian Catfish, Clarias Catfish, Clarid Catfish, Climbing Perch, Common Walking Catfish, Freshwater Catfish, Invasive Walking Catfish, Southeast Asian Catfish, Thailand Catfish, Toyman's Spotted Catfish, Tropical Walking Catfish, Walking Catfish, Walking Fish

ALSO KNOWN AS

Albino Clarias
Asian Catfish
Clarias Catfish
Clarid Catfish
Climbing Perch
Common Walking Catfish
Freshwater Catfish
Invasive Walking Catfish
Southeast Asian Catfish
Thailand Catfish
Toyman's Spotted Catfish
Tropical Walking Catfish
Walking Catfish
Walking Fish

LCLeast ConcernIUCN Red List, 2019

Add a photo

Philippine Catfish adult, photographed at Palm Beach Zoo, United States — @MaastrichianGuy · Palm Beach Zoo, United States · April 20231 / 1

Overview

Found over stagnant, muddy waters, in sluggish canals, ditches, flooded fields, ponds, pools, rice-paddies, medium to large rivers, lowland streams and swamps. They are nocturnal bottom feeders, using the barbels around their mouths to detect their prey and any rotting flesh hanging around, in or out the water! Using their strong Pectoral fins and spine on land in search of food.
Widespread Asia, Introduced elsewhere!

These Catfish because they are "Air Breathing" can leave the water at night in search of food. Due to this requirement for oxygen, they occupy a very shallow depth range of 0 to 1 meter.
They are also farm produced as they are a highly prized food fish in Africa, broiled fried and baked!

How to identify

COLOURS

Pattern: black blotches
Behaviour: bottom dwelling breathes air nocturnal

Tap any trait to see other fish that share it.

Habitat & where to find it

Country only · 1

LIVES IN

freshwater

Found over stagnant, muddy waters, in sluggish canals, ditches, flooded fields, ponds, pools, rice-paddies, medium to large rivers, lowland streams and swamps.