African Eel Catfish (Gymnallabes typus)
Fish in the family Clariidae. Moderate care. Freshwater.
Quick facts
Scientific nameGymnallabes typus
FamilyClariidae
Also known asEel Catfish, Slender Walking Catfish
Care levelModerate
Reef safetyFreshwater
TemperamentSemi-aggressive
DietCarnivore
Adult size13 in
Minimum tank size55 gallons
Water parametersTemp 73-82°F, pH 6.0-7.5, GH 4-16 dGH
Appearance
Very elongated dark eel-like catfish with tiny eyes, sensory barbels, reduced fins, and a long continuous tail fin; slippery scaleless skin.
Difficulty and care for the African Eel Catfish
Moderate
Origin and habitat
West Africa
Keeper notes
An eel-like air-breathing catfish that hunts small fish and shrimp at night; reclusive but predatory and a determined escape artist. Peaceful with larger tankmates. Can wriggle out of small gaps.
Log African Eel Catfish in your reef tank
Reef Trak gives you the full record on every species in your tank: acquisition date, source, photos, parameters at time of stocking, and links to maintenance and feeding events. Track African Eel Catfish alongside everything else in your reef.
