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Twodorsal catfish (Clarotes bidorsalis) — Claroteidae

Twodorsal catfish

Clarotes bidorsalis
Family: Claroteidae

The Twodorsal catfish (Clarotes bidorsalis) is a freshwater fish of the family Claroteidae that grows up to 23 cm.

Length
22.5 cm
Water
Freshwater
Activity
Nocturnal
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Can cause injury

Description

The twodorsal catfish is an African claroteid catfish (Claroteidae) from large rivers and lakes of West and Central Africa, including the Niger and Nile. The species grows to about 50 cm and has a sturdy, greyish body with a broad head, four pairs of barbels and a large adipose fin. As a nocturnal predator it searches over sand and mud for small fish, crustaceans and molluscs. It is an important food fish. The stout, serrated pectoral and dorsal spines can give a painful puncture wound when handled.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Twodorsal catfish?

The Twodorsal catfish has an elongate, eel-like body and is mainly silver-grey.

Where does the Twodorsal catfish live?

The Twodorsal catfish lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom.

How big does the Twodorsal catfish get?

The Twodorsal catfish grows to a maximum of about 23 cm.

Is the Twodorsal catfish dangerous to humans?

The Twodorsal catfish can cause injury; handle it with care.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Tweerug-kaardemeerval sourced
English name
Twodorsal catfish sourced
Scientific name
Clarotes bidorsalis
Family
Claroteidae

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
22.5 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey sourced
Tail shape
Forked inferred
Barbels
Yes sourced
Dorsal spines
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Territorial
No inferred
Activity
Nocturnal sourced
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred

For anglers

Fishing method
Bodemvissen met natuurlijk aas (worm, garnaal of vis) op of vlak boven de bodem. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Can cause injury verified

Status & sources

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

Same genus Clarotes

More from the family Claroteidae

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