The African glass catfish (Siluranodon auritus) is a freshwater fish of the family Schilbeidae that grows up to 14 cm.
Description
The African glass catfish is a remarkable catfish of the schilbid family (Schilbeidae) from the Nile, Lake Chad basin and West African river systems. The species grows to about 14 cm and has a slender, partly translucent body without a dorsal fin, with a very long anal fin and barbels. Unlike most catfishes it lacks teeth in the jaws and is a filter feeder: it lives pelagically in larger lakes and rivers and sieves both phytoplankton and zooplankton from the water. In the Sudd swamps it stays under floating vegetation. Owing to the absence of strong spines it is harmless to handle and to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the African glass catfish?
The African glass catfish has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern.
Where does the African glass catfish live?
The African glass catfish lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom.
How big does the African glass catfish get?
The African glass catfish grows to a maximum of about 14 cm.
Is the African glass catfish dangerous to humans?
No, the African glass catfish is harmless to humans.
Is the African glass catfish edible?
The African glass catfish is rarely eaten.
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Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
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Status & sources
More from the family Schilbeidae
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