How to Identify African Sharptooth Catfish, Vundu Catfish

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

Physical Characteristics

Body shape

elongated

Coloration

Generally dark grey to black dorsally, fading to lighter grey or whitish ventrally. Some individuals may exhibit mottled patterns. The fins are typically dark.

Scale type

none

Mouth position

terminal

Distinctive features

Four pairs of long, prominent barbels (one nasal, one maxillary, two mandibular). The maxillary barbels are particularly long, often extending beyond the pectoral fins., Very long dorsal fin, almost reaching the caudal fin., Adipose fin present, relatively small., Broad, depressed head., Small eyes., Possession of an accessory breathing organ (arborescent organ) for aerial respiration.

Dorsal fin

Very long, continuous, with 38-46 soft rays, extending from behind the head almost to the caudal fin.

Tail fin

Rounded to slightly emarginate.

Pectoral fin

Well-developed, with a strong, serrated spine.

Distinctive fins

Anal fin is also very long, with 35-45 soft rays, almost mirroring the dorsal fin. A small adipose fin is present between the dorsal and caudal fins.

Identification Tips

1. 1

   Barbels

   The most distinguishing feature is the four pairs of very long barbels, especially the maxillary barbels which can extend well past the pectoral fins. This differentiates it from most other African catfishes.

2. 2

   Dorsal and Anal Fins

   Both the dorsal and anal fins are exceptionally long, almost reaching the caudal fin, giving the fish an elongated appearance.

3. 3

   Adipose Fin

   The presence of a small adipose fin is a key characteristic that separates Heterobranchus from the closely related Clarias species, which lack an adipose fin.

4. 4

   Head Shape

   Its broad, somewhat flattened head is also a good identifier.

Explore African Sharptooth Catfish, Vundu Catfish