largest predatory catfish species in australia and africa?

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cgibby

Jack Dempsey
MFK Member
Oct 27, 2011
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I've personally owned a few of the largest growing species of catfish from around the world, north and south america, europe, and asia. As far as australia and africa I've had an eel tail and a bullhead not very large growing by say south american standards. There isn't much talk of large species in australia or africa (aside from the vundu) so I was wondering if anyone could list the top 5 or 10 largest of each continent and maybe a little info or some pics. Looking forward to seeing what everyone has to say!


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Australia's is the Plotosus canius which gets 60 inches long. It's an eel tail catfish.

View attachment 845709
P. canius

Africa has several. Clarias gariepinus and Dinotopterus cunningtoni can both get over five feet long, but they're both elongate, thin fish. Heterobranchus bidorsalis can get to to 60 inches but there's very little info on it. I would consider the champion of Africa to be the Heterobranchus longifilis, which can get to 60" long and is built solid and stocky like a blue catfish.

heterobranchus_longifilis_3.jpg
H. longifilis

heterobranchus_longifilis_3.jpg
 
Archer33389 said:
I think an african one would be the zungaro. Not sure if I'm spelling it right but I blieve they get to like 4 feet!
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This catfish is from SA and grows to over 5' some rare ones recorded over 6' and over 200 lbs.
 
Keep it going, guys! Keep this thread rolling!
 
the wallago is actually an asian species that does get very lagre and is quite aggressive as well. thanks for the info guys that longifilis does look strikingly similar to a large blue cat.


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cgibby said:
the wallago is actually an asian species that does get very lagre and is quite aggressive as well. thanks for the info guys that longifilis does look strikingly similar to a large blue cat.


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Click to expand...

You are right on both counts.
 
Too bad the largest African catfish is illegal in United States :(
 
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