Identification
Clarias lazera is now considered a synonym of Clarias gariepinus by most taxonomists. Historically, the North African population was named as a separate species, but genetic research has shown they are the same species. Features are identical: an elongated, scaleless body with a flattened head, four pairs of barbels, and long dorsal and anal fins. Can exceed 100 cm.
Behavior & ecology
Identical to Clarias gariepinus: a nocturnal omnivore with the unique ability of air breathing via the suprabranchial organ. The species can survive in extremely low-oxygen conditions and even traverse short distances over moist ground. In its native range (North Africa, Nile Valley), it inhabits rivers, lakes, and swamps.
In the Netherlands
Any observations in the Netherlands involve escaped aquaculture fish, which are kept under the name Clarias gariepinus. The species cannot survive Dutch winter temperatures and cannot reproduce here. As a tropical exotic, it poses no permanent risk to the Dutch ecosystem.
