Walking Catfish
From Microcosm Aquarium Explorer
Mottled form of the highly variable Walking Catfish. JJPhoto.dk
[edit] Overview
The family Clariidae, which includes these African and Asian predatory catfishes, is banned by U.S. federal law because of their ability to “walk” across land areas to get to other waterways when their habitats dry out.
They are extremely predatory, making them appropriate for big, special-collection aquariums only.
Normal coloration is olive-drab, but albino and mottled or piebald forms are commonly sold in the aquarium trade.
Must be kept in a secure aquarium to prevent their escape. Like many catfishes, they have stinging spines and must be handled with care. Heavy-duty filtration must be provided.
Family: Clariidae
Other common name(s):
Native range:
Habitat: Often found in muddy, stagnant water. Lowland streams, rivers, swamps, canals, flooded fields. When trapped in a drying pool, it can emerge and slither in search of deeper water. Having escaped in Florida in the 1960s, they have made their way into many bodies of water, including aquaculture facilities and koi ponds.
Maximum length: 47 cm (19 in)
Water: Freshwater 10 °C (283 K, 50 °F) - 28 °C (301 K, 82 °F)
General swimming level: Bottom.
[edit] Feeding
Omnivore. Eats fish, crustaceans, worms, detritus, vegetable matter.
[edit] Aquarium Compatibility
Can be housed with big, self-assured fishes, such as Oscars, Pacu, Piranha, Tiger Fish, Scats.
[edit] Notes
In Laos, the Walking Catfish is essential in the preparation of traditional dishes such as lap pa and ponne pa.
| Common name | Walking Catfish + |
| Family | Clariidae + |
| Genus | Clarias + |
| Image credit | JJ + |
| Maximum length | 19 in + |
| Native range | Malay Peninsula +, Sumatra +, Java +, and Borneo + |
| Reference | 101 Best Tropical Fishes + |
| Specific name | batrachus + |
| Swimming level | Bottom. + |
| Text credit | KW + |
| Water max temp | 301 K (28 °C, 82 °F) + |
| Water min temp | 283 K (10 °C, 50 °F) + |
| Water type | Freshwater + |