Fish Species > Sharptooth Catfish

   Catfish, Sharptooth. (Clarias gariepinus). Max weight 36 kg/ 79 lb 5oz. Predatory. The Sharptooth Catfish is found throughout the African continent from the Nile to the Orange system to Umtamvuna and has been widely exported across the globe. This slimy predator occurs in almost any habitat including lakes, flood plains and sluggish rivers and is tolerant of extreme environmental changes. This air-breathing catfish is able to migrate across land in damp conditions with the aid of its pectoral fins. With an appearance similar to a Wels catish in miniature this whiskered catfish hunts predominantly on the bottom searching out fish, small mammals, reptiles and other prey items. The Sharptooth catfish also feeds on various plant matter and is capable of straining fine plankton if necessary. The Sharptooth Catfish is resident in several commercial fisheries throughout Thailand reaching weights in the excess of 10 kg.