How to Identify Butter Catfish

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

Physical Characteristics

Body shape

elongated

Coloration

Silvery to grayish-white on the sides and belly, with a darker, sometimes olive-brown, dorsal surface. Often has a faint, dusky lateral stripe.

Scale type

none

Mouth position

superior

Distinctive features

Highly compressed body, especially posteriorly., Two pairs of barbels: one maxillary pair extending beyond the pectoral fin base, and one mandibular pair that is much shorter., Absence of an adipose fin., Small, deeply forked caudal fin.

Dorsal fin

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

Tail fin

Deeply forked, with pointed lobes.

Pectoral fin

Relatively long, with a strong, serrated spine and 11-13 soft rays.

Distinctive fins

Anal fin is extremely long, originating just behind the anus and confluent with the caudal fin base, with 58-70 soft rays. Pelvic fins are small, with 6 rays.

Identification Tips

1. 1

   Body Shape

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

2. 2

   Barbels

   Note the two pairs of barbels; the maxillary pair is notably long, extending past the pectoral fin base.

3. 3

   Anal Fin

   The exceptionally long anal fin, almost reaching the caudal fin, is a key identifier.

4. 4

   Dorsal Fin

   The very short dorsal fin, positioned far forward on the back, is characteristic.

5. 5

   Coloration

   The silvery-white body with a darker back and sometimes a faint lateral stripe helps in identification.

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