All FishesCLARIIDAEClarias  |  | 

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Scientific NameClarias angolensis    Steindachner, 1866
Common NameAngolan Walking Catfish
Type LocalityAngola.
Synonym(s)Chlarias angolensis, Clarias brevinuchalis, Clarias confluentus, Clarias curtus
Pronunciationklar ee ass
EtymologyClarias: From the Greek chlaros, meaning lively; in reference to the ability of the fish to live for long periods out of water. 
Hop to next section Species Information
Size350mm or 13.8" SL. Find near, nearer or same sized spp.
IdentificationClarias species are characterized by having an elongated body; a soft rayed dorsal fin extending to, or nearly to, the caudal fin base; a soft rayed anal fin extending from just behind the anus to the caudal fin base; pectoral fins each with a serrated anterior bony spine; head depressed, covered largely by firmly sutured, surface sculptured bony plates forming a protective helmet; four pairs of flagellate barbels (nasals, maxillaries, inner and outer mandibulars); air breathing organs derived from the 2nd and 4th epibranchials within a superbranchial chamber.

Clarias species are characterized by having an elongated body; a soft rayed dorsal fin extending to, or nearly to, the caudal fin base; a soft rayed anal fin extending from just behind the anus to the caudal fin base; pectoral fins each with a serrated anterior bony spine; head depressed, covered largely by firmly sutured, surface sculptured bony plates forming a protective helmet; four pairs of flagellate barbels (nasals, maxillaries, inner and outer mandibulars); air breathing organs derived from the 2nd and 4th epibranchials within a superbranchial chamber.
SexingThe genital papilla, which is to the right of the anus as you look at the fish with its head to the left, is elongated and pointed in males while it is round and relatively larger (and larger than the anus) in females. In ventral view especially, females are much broader in the body than males of equal age and rearing practices.

The genital papilla, which is to the right of the anus as you look at the fish with its head to the left, is elongated and pointed in males while it is round and relatively larger (and larger than the anus) in females. In ventral view especially, females are much broader in the body than males of equal age and rearing practices.
Hop to next section Habitat Information
DistributionAfrica & Asia
African Waters, Congo, Lower Congo (click on these areas to find other species found there)
African Waters, Congo, Middle Congo (click on these areas to find other species found there)

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IUCN Red List Category
Least Concern
, a distribution map is available on the IUCN species page. Last assessed 2009.
pH6.8 - 8.5
Temperature22.0-25.0°C or 71.6-77°F (Show species within this range)
Other ParametersAble to survive in most water conditions.
Hop to next section Husbandry Information
Suggested TankmatesLarge cyprinids (silver sharks, tinfoil or spanner barbs for example) or Central American cichlids.
Breeding ReportsThere is no breeding report.
Hop to next section Further Information
ReferenceVerhandlungen der K.-K. zoologisch-botanischen Gesellschaft in Wien v. 16, pp 766, Pl. 13 (figs. 4-7).
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There is no record of this fish being seen.
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Look up on Encyclopedia of LifeLook up C. angolensis on Encyclopedia of Life
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Clarias angolensis QR codeLFS label creator
ARN ref:1.6.8.11
Last UpdateThu Jan 01, 1970 1:00 am (Species record created: Thu Jan 01, 1970 1:00 am)