north African catfish
| Scientific name | Clarias gariepinus |
|---|---|
| Descriptor | Burchell |
| Year of description | 1822 |
| IUCN category (World) | LC |
| Family | Clariidae |
| Genus | Clarias |
Introduction
Clarias gariepinus, commonly known as north African catfish, is a fresh water fish from the Africa.
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Who is it?
Morphology
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Average size90 cm
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Maximum size170 cm
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Longevity15 year
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Average size90 cm
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Maximum size170 cm
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Longevity15 year
How to recognize the north African catfish ?
This fish has the particularity to possess several pairs of barbels, which allow him to search the bottom and to detect the food thus moved.
The north African catfish measures between 90 and 170 cm. This fish is unicolore with a predominantly marron, beige and gris body.
Behaviour & Life cycle
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dietcarnivorous
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Sociabilitysolitary
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territorialNo
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Way of livingdiurnal
The north African catfish hunts in the stalk and is one of the predators of its biotope. Opportunistic, it does not hesitate to attack any smaller animal nearby.
The north African catfish is a fish solitary naturally found near the bottom. This species is carnivorous .
Although the north African catfish is non-territorial, it is sometimes aggressive towards other species.
Reproduction
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Reproductionovipare
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Migratory speciesYes
The north African catfish is a fish ovipare.
Harmless species
This species does not represent any particular threats to humans when encountered in its natural environment.
Where to find it?
Conservation status of populations (IUCN)
Where to see this species?
What is its habitat?
Natural environment characteristics
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Temperature8 - 35 °C
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pH (acidity)6.5 - 8
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gh (hardness)5 - 28
Biotope presentation
The north African catfish is most often found at a depth between 0m and 80m. However, it is not impossible to find this species at other depths.
To go further
To read on the web
Sources & Contributions
Participation & Validation
The Fishipedia team and specialist contributors are committed to providing high-quality content. However, although the information comes from scientific sources or testimonials from specialists, the cards may contain inaccuracies.
Adrien Falzon
Translation
Translation done with the valuable contribution of our translators, who make this information available to a wider audience. We sincerely thank them for their commitment.
Bibliographic references
Reproduction, growth, health control and aquacultural potential of the African catfish, Clarias gariepinus (Burchell 1822) - E.A.Huisman - C.J.J.Richter - Elsevier Ltd - 1987.
Introduction of the African Catfish Clarias gariepinus (BURCHELL, 1822) into Southern Brazil - J. R. S. Vitule - S. C. Umbria - J. M. R. Aranha - Springer Nature - 2006.
The ecology of the catfish Clarias gariepinus and Clarias ngamensis in the Shire Valley, Malawi - N. G. Willoughby - D. Tweddle - ZSL - 1978.
Where to see this species?
Scientific partners
Same genus
Clarias angolensis
Clariidae