How to Identify Butter Catfish

To identify Butter Catfish (Ompok bimaculatus), look at these key features.

Physical Characteristics

Body shape

elongated

Coloration

Generally silvery-grey to brownish-grey on the dorsal side, fading to silvery-white on the ventral side. Often possesses two distinct, dark, oval spots on the flanks, one above the pectoral fin and another near the caudal peduncle, though these can be indistinct or absent. Fins are typically translucent or dusky.

Scale type

none

Mouth position

superior

Distinctive features

Highly compressed body, especially posteriorly., Two pairs of barbels: one maxillary pair extending beyond the eye, and one mandibular pair that is much shorter., Absence of an adipose fin., Very small dorsal fin with only 4-5 rays., Long anal fin extending from behind the anus to the caudal fin base., Smooth, scaleless skin.

Dorsal fin

Very small, with 4-5 soft rays, located anteriorly.

Tail fin

Deeply forked, with pointed lobes.

Pectoral fin

Relatively short, with a strong, serrated spine.

Distinctive fins

Anal fin is exceptionally long, with 55-70 soft rays, confluent with the caudal fin in some descriptions, but typically separated by a very short caudal peduncle.

Identification Tips

1. 1

   Body Shape

   Look for a distinctly compressed and elongated body, particularly towards the tail.

2. 2

   Spots

   Presence of two dark, oval spots on the flanks, though their intensity can vary. One is usually above the pectoral fin, the other near the caudal peduncle.

3. 3

   Barbels

   Observe the two pairs of barbels; the maxillary pair is notably long, extending past the eye, while the mandibular pair is much shorter.

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