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How to catch North African catfish

Clarias gariepinus (Burchell, 1822)

About North African catfish fishing

The North African catfish is a large eel-like freshwater fish belonging to the family Clariidae, easily recognised by its elongated body, flat bony head, and broad terminal mouth equipped with four pairs of barbels. It typically features a dark gray or black dorsal coloration fading into a pale belly, with individuals reaching up to 1.7 metres in total length and 60 kilograms in weight. Preferring shallow, swampy areas, vegetated river margins, and slow-moving waters, this species possesses a specialised accessory breathing organ that allows it to survive in oxygen-depleted environments and traverse damp land under the cover of darkness. As an omnivorous benthopelagic predator, it feeds primarily on fish, insects, and crustaceans, and undertakes seasonal migrations into flooded areas to spawn.

  • Difficulty

    Medium

  • Average size

    90 cm NG

  • Habitat

    Freshwater

  • Season

    Spring, Summer, Autumn

  • Also known as

    African catfish, Barbel, Catfish, Common catfish, Mudfish, Sharptooth catfish

North African catfish

Dorsal attributes

Long dorsal fin extending over most of the back length identifies this catfish.

Barbels

Long unbranched barbels around the mouth are characteristic sensory organs.

Caudal shape

More or less truncate caudal fin shape distinguishes this species.

Tertiary spots

Marbled pattern with irregular dark blotches mainly on trunk.

North African catfish fishing facts

Characteristics

  • Typical size

    90 cm NG (max 170 cm TL )

  • Typical weight

    5.5 kg (max 60 kg )

  • Depth

    0–80 m

  • Longevity

    15 years

  • Body shape

    Elongated

  • Vulnerability score

    75.7

Best hours

  • Dawn

    First light

    Active

  • Morning

    After sunrise

    Low

  • Midday

    High sun

    Low

  • Afternoon

    Late day

    Low

  • Dusk

    Last light

    Active

  • Night

    After dark

    Peak

When to fish for North African catfish

01
January
02
February
03
March
04
April
05
May
06
June
07
July
08
August
09
September
10 Now
October
11
November
12
December

How to catch North African catfish

Tips for catching North African catfish

Targeting this resilient predator requires heavy-duty tackle capable of handling powerful runs and abrasive structures near the riverbed. Since these fish feed predominantly after dark and rely on barbels and acute senses to locate food in murky water, night fishing yields the most consistent results. Presenting large natural baits directly on the bottom or close to submerged vegetation in shallow, sluggish zones proves exceptionally effective. Anglers should look for quiet marginal areas, flooded shallows, or slow river sections where these bottom feeders congregate to forage. Using robust lines and strong hooks is essential when fishing around snags, as hooked specimens will immediately seek heavy cover.

Other names for North African catfish

Local and alternate names anglers use for North African catfish.

  • Mudfish
  • Common catfish
  • Catfish
  • Barbel
  • North African catfish
  • Sharptooth catfish
  • Sharptoothed catfish
  • African catfish

Best equipment to catch North African catfish

Compare fishing methods for North African catfish — sized kit for each technique.

Note: Typical fish is 5.5 kg Our algorithm will suggest the best equipment for you based on this weight.

Best lures and baits for North African catfish

Ranked lures and natural baits from every method, best first.

How North African catfish migrates — Potamodromous

Migrates within rivers and lakes only. Fish upstream runs and seasonal lake movements, not saltwater.

How North African catfish migrates — Potamodromous 1. Eggs: Laid on gravel or weed upstream or in flooded shallows. 2. Larvae: Fry drift or swim down to slower water. 3. Adults: Feed in the main river or lake. 4. Spawners: Move upstream or into the shallows to spawn.
Upstream Main river or lake

1 Eggs

Upstream

Laid on gravel or weed upstream or in flooded shallows.

2 Larvae

→ Main river or lake

Fry drift or swim down to slower water.

3 Adults

Main river or lake

Feed in the main river or lake.

4 Spawners

→ Upstream

Move upstream or into the shallows to spawn.

The whole cycle stays in fresh water.

Hover or tap a number to read each stage.

Diet and behavior of North African catfish

Prey and predators of North African catfish

Prey is what North African catfish eats. Predators are the animals that eat it.

That is how it feeds, and how it is hunted.

Prey

What it eats

Predators

What hunts it

Where North African catfish lives

Lives near the bottom but swims in the water just above it. Cover the lower column, not only the mud.

Habitats
Freshwater
Depth zone
0–80 m
Water column
Benthopelagic
Just above the bed

Where this species lives

Where to fish for North African catfish

Mapped fishing spots where North African catfish is recorded — open a pin for access and methods.

Sint-Laurenshaven

RotterdamZuid-HollandNetherlands