How to Identify Black-fingered Catfish

To identify Black-fingered Catfish (Chryichthys nigrodigitatus), look at these key features.

Physical Characteristics

Body shape

elongated

Coloration

Dorsal surface typically dark brown to olive-green, fading to a lighter, often yellowish or whitish, ventral surface. Fins are generally dusky, with the distal portions of the pectoral, dorsal, and caudal fins often distinctly black or dark brown, giving rise to the 'black-fingered' common name.

Scale type

none

Mouth position

terminal

Distinctive features

Four pairs of barbels (one nasal, one maxillary, two mandibular), with the maxillary barbels extending beyond the pectoral fin base., Adipose fin present and relatively large., Strong, serrated spines in the dorsal and pectoral fins., Distinctive black tips on fins, especially pectoral fins.

Dorsal fin

Short-based, with a strong, serrated spine and 6-7 soft rays. Followed by a prominent adipose fin.

Tail fin

Forked, with rounded lobes.

Pectoral fin

Strong, with a serrated spine and 8-10 soft rays. The spine can be quite sharp.

Distinctive fins

The black pigmentation on the distal parts of the pectoral, dorsal, and caudal fins is a key identifying feature.

Identification Tips

1. 1

   Fin Coloration

   Look for the characteristic black or dark brown tips on the dorsal, pectoral, and caudal fins, which are often more pronounced in adults.

2. 2

   Barbels

   Observe the four pairs of barbels; the maxillary barbels are notably long, extending past the pectoral fin base.

3. 3

   Adipose Fin

   The presence of a well-developed adipose fin is a key feature of Bagridae catfishes.

4. 4

   Body Shape

   Its elongated, somewhat cylindrical body distinguishes it from more compressed or depressed catfish species.

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