How to Identify African Sharptooth Catfish

To identify African Sharptooth Catfish (Heterobranchus bidorsalis), look at these key features.

Physical Characteristics

Body shape

elongated

Coloration

Generally dark grey to black on the dorsal side, fading to lighter grey or whitish on the ventral side. Some individuals may exhibit mottled patterns. Juveniles can be lighter.

Scale type

none

Mouth position

terminal

Distinctive features

Four pairs of barbels (one nasal, one maxillary, two mandibular), Very long dorsal fin extending from behind the head almost to the caudal fin, Presence of a distinct adipose fin, which differentiates it from Clarias species, Broad, flattened head with a wide mouth, Small eyes

Dorsal fin

Very long, rayed fin, extending from the nape to the caudal peduncle, with 30-46 soft rays. It is continuous and lacks spines.

Tail fin

Rounded to slightly emarginate caudal fin.

Pectoral fin

Well-developed, with a strong, serrated spine and 8-11 soft rays.

Distinctive fins

Presence of a distinct adipose fin, which is a fleshy, rayless fin located between the dorsal and caudal fins. This is a key distinguishing feature from the genus Clarias.

Identification Tips

1. 1

   Adipose Fin

   The most crucial distinguishing feature is the presence of a small, fleshy adipose fin located behind the main dorsal fin and before the caudal fin. This is absent in Clarias species.

2. 2

   Dorsal Fin Length

   The dorsal fin is exceptionally long, starting just behind the head and extending almost to the caudal fin, but it is separate from the adipose fin.

3. 3

   Head Shape

   Possesses a broad, somewhat flattened head, which is characteristic of the genus.

4. 4

   Barbels

   Observe the four pairs of barbels around the mouth, which are sensory organs used for foraging.

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