Points

10

per confirmed sighting

Freshwater fishConservation status: Least ConcernCommon to spot
freshwater fish • Clariidae

Sharptooth Catfish.

S

Clarias gariepinus

A hardy, air-breathing catfish able to survive drying pools and muddy shallows.

Category

freshwater fish

Family

Clariidae

Size

Up to 140 cm, 60 kg

Points

10 pts

Log a sighting

A closer look

Field notes for spotting, identifying and understanding sharptooth catfish in its natural range.

Overview

A hardy, air-breathing catfish able to survive drying pools and muddy shallows.

How to identify it

Flattened head, four pairs of long barbels and a slate-grey scaleless body.

Habitat

Extremely adaptable freshwater species found in rivers, lakes, floodplains, swamps and impoundments.

Diet

Fish, insects, frogs and carrion

Behaviour

—

When to look

Often most active in low-light conditions, but activity is context-dependent.

Where to see it

South Africa flagSouth AfricaNamibia flagNamibiaBotswana flagBotswanaZambia flagZambiaMozambique flagMozambiqueEswatini flagEswatiniMalawi flagMalawiAngola flagAngola
  • Kruger National ParkZA
  • Okavango DeltaBW
  • Mana Pools National ParkZW

Safety and etiquette

Observe from a vehicle or a safe distance and never feed wildlife.

Verification and sources

1500 verified species across ten Southern African countries. Spotted an error? Tell us through community guidelines.