The African genus Bagrus contains large, predatory catfish. The maximum size of the different species is between 30 cm and more than one meter! Sadly the determination of the species is rather difficult, because most of the 11 species that are regarded as valid currently have been described before WW2. A modern revision does not exist for Bagrus filamentosus.

 

These large and beautiful catfish commonly called silver catfish are listed on the IUCN Red List of Endangered Species because they are an important food fish, and overfishing is a potential threat. Other threats include increasing levels of agrochemicals from farming activities in the areas around the water bodies and effluents from mining activities in some areas.

 

Bagrus filamentosus is an exciting exception of this rule. The all in all comparatively slender species belongs to the smaller members of the genus. Against conspecifics and other fish Bagrus are usually peaceful, but one should never underestimate the size of the mouth. Every fish that fits that mouth will be eaten!

 

Our recent shipment of Bagrus filamentosus contained another species of Bagrus, possibly Bagrus docmak. This species is much plumper and has a shorter head. One must estimate that these babies will grow to the size of real food fish. So they should be kept in real large aquaria only.

 

For our customers: the fish have code 100554 on our stock list. Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade.

 

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer