Clarias ngamensis Castelnau 1861

Characterized by a relatively long vomerine tooth plate (5.9-14.4 % HL) and by a relatively short adipose fin (5.9-12.5 % SL), the length of which is a specific character of C. ngamensis. Head oval to rectangular in dorsal outline; frontal fontanelle long and narrow (`knife-shaped'); occipital fontanelle small and oval-shaped. Pectoral spine robust and slightly curved. The suprabranchial organ consists of well developed arborescent structures.

Breeding is reportedly flood dependent and similar to that of C. gariepinus.

Potamodromous. Migrating within streams, migratory in rivers, e.g. Saliminus, Moxostoma, Labeo. Migrations should be cyclical and predictable and cover more than 100 km.

Dorsal spines (total): 0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 56 - 62; Analsoft rays: 50 - 58; Vertebrae: 56 - 60

Inhabits swamps and river mouths. Frequency of occurence in Caprivi: frequently in sandy streams, common in standing deep water, abundant in shallow swamps (Ref. 037065). Feed mainly on fish as well as on detritus, plants and benthic invertebrates especially mollusks (Ref. 248, 12597). Uncommon in the Lake Nyasa basin (Ref. 4967).

The species seems to be nowhere especially abundant but is fairly common in some areas such as weed beds, permanent swamps, quieter waters and muddy bottoms (Ref. 248, 5595). Prefers vegetated habitats. Feeding habits overlap considerably with the sharptooth catfish. Important foods are mollusks, terrestrial and aquatic insects, insect larvae, shrimps, grain, crabs and fish (Ref. 4967, 78218). Feeds on snails (Ref. 5595). Hard-shelled foods such as mussels are crushed before they are swallowed. Breeds during the summer rainy season. May live for 5-6 years (Ref. 7248). Also caught with drawnets (Ref. 4967).

fisheries: commercial; aquaculture: commercial; gamefish: yes; aquarium: commercial