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Taxa

Clarias

Fish Genera

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
Genus 1
Scientific Name
Clarias 1
Member Species/Taxa Count
61 1
Geographic Distribution
Found in inland waters across Southeast Asia, East Asia, India, Asia Minor and Africa; among the most widespread catfish genera in the world 1
Defining Characteristics
Many 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 Appearance
Long-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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