North African catfish (Clarias gariepinus)

Scientific name: Clarias gariepinus Burchell, 1822

North African catfish (Clarias gariepinus)

The North African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) is a freshwater fish of the family Clariidae. In the aquarium it needs water at 8–35°C (46–95°F).

North African catfish care at a glance

Temperature
8–35°C (46–95°F)

Biology

Occurs mainly in quiet waters, lakes and pools but may also occur in fast flowing rivers and in rapids. 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. 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. A bottom feeder which occasionally feeds at the surface. Forages at night on a wide variety of prey. Feeds on insects, plankton, invertebrates and fish but also takes young birds, rotting flesh and plants. Migrates to rivers and temporary streams to spawn (Ref

Source: FishBase, licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

Species facts

Scientific name
Clarias gariepinus
Family
Clariidae (Airbreathing catfishes)
Order
Siluriformes (Catfish)
Class
Actinopterygii (Ray-finned fishes)
Maximum length
170
Common length
90.0
Depth range
0–80 m (0–262 ft)
Environment
Freshwater;; pH range: 6.5 - 8.0; dH range: 5 - 28 benthopelagic; potamodromous; depth range 0 - 80 m
Climate
Subtropical
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.
Conservation status (IUCN)
Not Evaluated
Threat to humans
Potential pest
Uses
Fisheries: minor commercial; aquaculture: commercial; gamefish: yes
Resilience
Medium, minimum population doubling time 1.4 - 4.4 years (K=0.06-0.19; tm=2; Fec > 10,000)

Sources

Taxonomy, distribution and biology data: FishBase (Froese, R. and D. Pauly, eds.), licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

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