Home · Auchenipteridae · Catfish
Catfish (Ageneiosus inermis) — Auchenipteridae

Catfish

Ageneiosus inermis
LC · Least Concern

The Catfish (Ageneiosus inermis) is a freshwater fish of the family Auchenipteridae that grows up to 65 cm.

Length
64.8 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Solitary
Activity
Nocturnal
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Open water
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Commonly eaten

Description

Ageneiosus inermis, called manduba in South America, is a scaleless catfish (family Auchenipteridae) of the tropical part of the continent. The species grows to about 65 cm and has an elongate, silvery-grey body with short barbels and, unlike many catfishes, without strong fin spines. It prefers vegetated, quiet parts of rivers and is reported to be nocturnal. It is a predator that hunts fishes and crustaceans. Reproduction involves internal fertilisation, for which the male has a modified anal fin. The flesh is highly esteemed, making the species an important food fish.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Catfish?

The Catfish has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern.

Where does the Catfish live?

The Catfish lives in fresh water and is mostly found around open water.

How big does the Catfish get?

The Catfish grows to a maximum of about 65 cm.

Is the Catfish dangerous to humans?

No, the Catfish is harmless to humans.

Is the Catfish edible?

Yes, the Catfish is commonly eaten.

Download Fin's Fish Guide

Identify fish in seconds, log your catches and dives. Join the TestFlight beta.

Get the beta →

All data

Identification

Dutch name
Manduba sourced
English name
Catfish verified
Scientific name
Ageneiosus inermis
Family
Auchenipteridae
Other names
Haplochromis quads; Manduba verified

Appearance

Size class
Large verified
Max length (cm)
64.8 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey inferred
Pattern
Plain inferred
Tail shape
Forked inferred
Mouth position
Terminal inferred
Lips
Thin inferred
Barbels
Yes sourced
Dorsal fins
One continuous inferred
Dorsal spines
No sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Open water sourced
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore sourced
Social behaviour
Solitary inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Activity
Nocturnal inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
Yes inferred

For anglers

Edibility
Commonly eaten sourced
Fishing method
Vissen met natuurlijk aas of een klein dood visje, vooral 's nachts in begroeide, rustige delen van rivieren. sourced
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless sourced

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Ageneiosus

More from the family Auchenipteridae

Download Fin's Fish Guide

Identify fish in seconds, log your catches and dives. Join the TestFlight beta.

Get the beta →