Clarias is a genus of airbreathing catfish in the family Clariidae, comprising 61 recognized species found across Southeast Asia, East Asia, India, Asia Minor and Africa, with the greatest diversity in Africa. Members have long-based dorsal and anal fins giving an eel-like appearance, slender bodies, flat bony heads, broad mouths with four pairs of barbels, and in many species a large accessory breathing organ formed from modified gill arches that lets them survive extended periods out of water, the source of the genus name from the Greek for lively. Many species are economically important in fisheries and aquaculture, though some have become invasive pests where introduced.
Facts
Taxonomic Rank Scientific Name Member Species/Taxa Count Geographic DistributionFound in inland waters across Southeast Asia, East Asia, India, Asia Minor and Africa; among the most widespread catfish genera in the world 1 Defining CharacteristicsMany species have a large accessory air-breathing organ formed from modified gill arches, letting them survive out of water for extended periods 1 Identification
Distinguishing AppearanceLong-based dorsal and anal fins giving an eel-like appearance; slender body, flat bony head, broad mouth with four pairs of barbels 1 Sources
1. Clarias - Wikipedia
Lead section, opening sentence, genus classification
Clarias is a genus of catfishes of the family Clariidae, the airbreathing catfishes.
Lead section, opening sentence, genus name
Clarias is a genus of catfishes of the family Clariidae, the airbreathing catfishes.
Species section, species count sentence
There are currently 61 species recognized in this genus
Distribution section, first sentence
The genus is found in Southeast Asia and East Asia westwards through India and Asia Minor and in Africa.
Description section, breathing organ sentence
Many species also have a large, accessory breathing organ composed of modified gill arches.
Description section, body shape sentence
Clarias species are recognized by their long-based dorsal and anal fins, which give them a rather eel-like appearance.
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