African butter catfish?

[MarcW]

Hi Everyone,

While in my local Maidenhead Aquatics earlier today I noticed a catfish I've not seen before labelled as African butter catfish, grows to 40cm.

I haven't been there for a few years, it seems there is new management and a better, healthier selection of fish.

Are these really

Schilbe mystus

? With no keepers registered that'd be a surprise to find them in my local Maidenhead!

There were about 20 fish all similar sizes approx. 5 inches TL, priced at £11.50 each or 3 for £30.

[Jools]

The species most commonly imported is

Schilbe intermedius

from West Africa. These seem to be a match - there are loads of spp. in this genus though that we really don't know much about.

Cheers,

Jools

[MarcW]

Thanks Jools, that does seem to be a match for the fish I saw. Still a new one for me!