walking catfish

fish

Also known as: Clarias batrachus

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Article History

walking catfish, Species (Clarias batrachus) of Asian and African catfish that can progress remarkable distances over dry land. It uses its pectoral-fin spines as anchors to prevent jackknifing as its body musculature produces snakelike movements. Treelike respiratory structures extending above the gill chambers enable it to breathe. It has been introduced into southern Florida, where it now poses a serious threat to native fauna.

This article was most recently revised and updated by John P. Rafferty.