North African Catfish

Identification

The African sharptooth catfish is a large, elongated catfish species that can reach 170 cm and over 50 kg. The body is cylindrical with a strongly flattened, broad head and a wide mouth lined with small teeth. Color is uniformly dark grey to black. Characteristic are the four pairs of barbels and the exceptionally long dorsal and anal fins that extend almost to the tail fin. There are no scales — the skin is smooth and slimy.

Behavior & ecology

The African sharptooth catfish possesses a supplementary breathing organ (suprabranchial organ) that allows it to breathe atmospheric air. This enables survival in deoxygenated water and even short overland movements. It is a nocturnal omnivore that preys on fish, amphibians, insects, and carrion. In tropical waters, it is a fast-growing apex predator.

In the Netherlands

The African sharptooth catfish is extensively farmed in the Netherlands and Belgium in closed aquaculture facilities at elevated water temperatures. Occasional escapes occur, but the species cannot survive Dutch winters. Wild finds almost always involve escaped farm fish. Below 10°C water temperature, activity ceases and mortality occurs.