Scientific Name
Clarias gariepinus

Common Name
North African catfish

Biology
Occurs mainly in quiet waters, lakes and pools but may also occur in fast flowing rivers and in rapids (Ref. 248). Widely tolerant of extreme environmental conditions. The presence of an accessory breathing organ enables this species to breath air when very active or under very dry conditions. Remains in the muddy substrates of ponds and occasionally gulp air through the mouth (Ref. 6465). Can leave the water at night using its strong pectoral fins and spines in search of land-based food or can move into the breeding areas through very shallow pathways (Ref. 6868). A bottom feeder which occasionally feeds at the surface (Ref. 248). Forages at night on a wide variety of prey (Ref. 6868). Feeds on insects, plankton, invertebrates and fish but also takes young birds, rotting flesh and plants (Ref. 6465). Migrates to rivers and temporary streams to spawn (Ref

Classification

Classified By

Burchell, 1822

Class

Ray-finned fishes (Actinopterygii)

Order

Catfish (Siluriformes)

Family

Airbreathing catfishes (Clariidae)

Distribution

Region

Africa

Distribution

Africa: almost Pan-Africa, absent from Maghreb, the upper and lower Guinea and the Cape province and probably also Nogal province. Asia: Jordan, Israel, Lebanon, Syria and southern Turkey. Widely introduced to other parts of Africa, Europe and Asia. Several countries report adverse ecological impact after introduction.

Range

52°N - 28°S

Environment

Climate

Subtropical

Water Temperature From

8 °C

Water Temperature To

35 °C

Depth From - meters

0 m

Depth To - meters

80 m

Zone

benthopelagic

Environment

Freshwater; ; pH range: 6.5 - 8.0; dH range: 5 - 28 benthopelagic; potamodromous (Ref. 51243); depth range 0 - 80 m (Ref. 34291)

Trophic Level

3.15015968187995 s.e. 0.29 Based on diet studies.

Occurs in Marine / Salt water

False

Occurs in Brackish water

False

Occurs in Fresh Water

True

Occurs on Reefs

False

Is kept in Aquariums

False

Physical Size and Genetics

Maximum Length

170 cm

Common Length

90.0 cm

Phylogenetic Diversity Index

PD50 = 0.5000 many relatives (e.g. carps) 0.5 - 2.0 few relatives (e.g. lungfishes)

Human Uses and Population

Human Uses

Fisheries: minor commercial; aquaculture: commercial; gamefish: yes

Vulnerability

Very high vulnerability (79 of 100)

Resilience

Medium, minimum population doubling time 1.4 - 4.4 years (K=0.06-0.19; tm=2; Fec > 10,000)

Threat To Humans

Potential pest (Ref. 4537)

IUCN Red List Status

Not Evaluated