Walking Catfish

Clarias batrachus, the Walking Catfish, is one of the most extraordinary freshwater fish from South and Southeast Asia. It possesses a suprabranchial organ that allows it to breathe atmospheric air directly, and it is capable of moving across land using its pectoral spines and a snake-like body motion to relocate between water bodies — a behaviour that has resulted in its establishment as an invasive species across Florida and parts of Southeast Asia. It is a grey-brown, scaleless, and distinctly whiskered catfish reaching 50 cm.

In the aquarium it is a hardy, adaptable, and intelligent fish that quickly learns to associate its keeper with food. It will eat virtually anything — live fish, invertebrates, plant matter, and commercial foods. Despite this, it is not a community fish: it will consume tankmates of any size it can manage and is best kept alone or with only very large, robust species.

Note that importation and possession of Clarias batrachus is prohibited or restricted in several countries and US states due to invasive species concerns. Buyers must verify the legal status in their jurisdiction before purchasing.

Water: 22–28 °C, pH 6.0–8.0, extremely tolerant; regular water changes essential given large bioload. Tank: 500 L minimum; extremely secure lid mandatory; robust filtration. Feeding: Omnivore-carnivore; accepts virtually any food — pellets, fish, prawns, vegetables. Breeding: Nest-builder in wild; rarely bred in home aquaria. Compatibility: Best kept alone; will consume surprisingly large tankmates.