How to Identify Wallago Catfish

To identify Wallago Catfish (Wallago), look at these key features.

Physical Characteristics

Body shape

eel-like

Coloration

Dorsal surface typically dark grey to brownish-green, fading to silvery-white on the ventral side. Juveniles may exhibit faint vertical bars or spots that fade with age. Fins are often dusky.

Scale type

none

Mouth position

superior

Distinctive features

Extremely elongated and compressed body, particularly towards the caudal fin., Very large, deeply cleft mouth extending beyond the eye., Two pairs of barbels: a long maxillary pair reaching beyond the pectoral fin base, and a shorter mandibular pair., Small, widely separated eyes located dorsally., Absence of an adipose fin.

Dorsal fin

Very small, short-based dorsal fin located anteriorly, typically with 5 soft rays.

Tail fin

Deeply forked caudal fin with pointed lobes.

Pectoral fin

Large, broad pectoral fins with a strong, serrated spine.

Distinctive fins

Anal fin is extremely long, extending from behind the anus almost to the caudal fin, with 70-90 soft rays. Pelvic fins are small and located abdominally.

Identification Tips

1. 1

   Body Shape

   Look for the distinctly elongated, compressed, and eel-like body, especially towards the tail.

2. 2

   Mouth

   Observe the very large, deeply cleft mouth that extends well past the eye, indicating its predatory nature.

3. 3

   Barbels

   Note the two pairs of barbels: a very long maxillary pair and a shorter mandibular pair.

4. 4

   Anal Fin

   The exceptionally long anal fin, running almost the entire length of the posterior body, is a key identifier.

5. 5

   Dorsal Fin

   The very small, short-based dorsal fin located far forward is characteristic.

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