This is the family commonly known as the "Walking
Catfishes" owing to their ability to move
overland after their previous home has 'dried
up'. These catfish are unique as to have an
elongated dorsal without a hard spine. Dorsal
fin base very long, usually with more than 30
rays, not proceded by a spine, separate or continuous
with caudal fin; pectoral and pelvic fins variously
absent in some species; caudal fin rounded;
gill opening wide; usually four pairs of barbels;
air-breathing labyrinthic organ arising from
gill arches.
Not really a family suitable for the home aquarium
although very hardy. They can be kept in very
large tanks or ponds. Looked on also as a food
fish in its native habitat.
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