North African Catfish

Clarias gariepinus

Also known as: African Mud Catfish, African Mudfish, African Sharptooth Catfish, Barbel, Barbel Catfish, Common Catfish, Mudfish, Sharptooth Catfish, Sharp-toothed Catfish, Walking Catfish

ALSO KNOWN AS

African Mud Catfish
African Mudfish
African Sharptooth Catfish
Barbel
Barbel Catfish
Common Catfish
Mudfish
Sharptooth Catfish
Sharp-toothed Catfish
Walking Catfish

LCLeast ConcernIUCN Red List, 2019

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North African Catfish adult, photographed at Canary Wharf, United Kingdom — @eelella · Canary Wharf, United Kingdom · September 20141 / 3

Overview

Found in shallow, muddy, swampy areas of calm lakes and pools, but can also be found in fast flowing rapids and rivers as well as on land. They are nocturnal bottom feeders, using the barbels around their mouths to detect their prey and any rotting flesh hanging around in or out of the water! They use their strong pectoral fins and spine on land in search of food.
Widespread Africa, Asia, Europe widely introduced to these areas.

These Catfish because they are "Air Breathing" can leave the water at night in search of food.
They are also farm produced as they are a highly prized food fish in Africa, broiled fried and baked!