Clarias leather, commonly known as the Egyptian beard catfish or sometimes mistakenly referred to as the Egyptian pond mullet, is a unique fish species belonging to the genus Clarias. It is often mistaken for a member of the Pelican family due to a clerical error, but it actually belongs to the family Claridae. This fish is typically found in shallow, muddy waters, where it prefers to burrow and live in groups. As an omnivorous species, it primarily feeds on animal-based food, making it highly adaptable and efficient in aquaculture.
Native to the Nile River basin in Africa, Clarias leather was introduced to China in 1981 and has since become a popular choice for fish farming due to its fast growth, high yield, and strong resistance to disease. It thrives in low-oxygen environments and can survive out of water for extended periods if its skin remains moist. These characteristics make it ideal for aquaculture in various regions across China.
Biologically, the Clarias leather has a long, scaleless body with a flattened head and four pairs of well-developed barbels around its mouth. Its eyes are relatively small, and it has a dark back with a white belly. The fins are often tinged with red, and there are black spots along the edges. It relies heavily on its sensitive barbels and lateral line system to detect movement and locate food, especially in murky or dark conditions.
This species is nocturnal, preferring to feed at night and rest during the day. It is known for its ability to crawl over land using its strong pectoral fins, allowing it to migrate between water bodies. However, it is not cold-tolerant and requires water temperatures above 13°C during winter to survive. It can tolerate acidic and low-oxygen environments, which makes it resilient in less-than-ideal conditions.
In terms of feeding habits, Clarias leather is an opportunistic omnivore, consuming a wide range of food, including insects, worms, small fish, and plant matter. Under artificial rearing conditions, it can be fed a variety of commercial and homemade feeds. Its appetite is large, and it can consume up to 15% of its body weight in a single day, though overfeeding should be avoided to prevent health issues.
The fish grows rapidly, reaching marketable size within 4 to 5 months under optimal conditions. In southern China, multiple harvests per year are possible, with yields reaching up to 5,000 kg per mu. Adult fish can weigh over 4 kg, making them a valuable species for both commercial and recreational fishing.
Reproduction occurs from April to September, with peak spawning in May to July. The fish exhibits multiple spawning cycles annually, with females laying thousands of eggs depending on their size. Eggs hatch within 22 to 25 hours at optimal temperatures (22–30°C). Due to its strong reproductive potential and adaptability, Clarias leather is considered a promising species for sustainable aquaculture and has significant economic value.
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