Origin
Clarias batrachus is native to Southeastern Asia. Walking catfish were introduced to the United States through the aquarium trade.

Life Cycle
C. batrachus coloration is gray to gray-brown with small white spots and approximately 24 in. (61 cm) in length. C. batrachus has a high tolerance for harsh living conditions and is found in a wide variety of habitats. Reproductive maturity occurs at one year of age. Spawning occurs with the onset of the rainy season in both native and nonnative ranges. Males guard eggs and young. Diet of C. batrachus includes eggs and larvae of fish, small fishes, and invertebrate species.

Distribution
C. batrachus is established in Florida.

Control Efforts
The impact of C. batrachus is largely unknown. The United States has classified all members of the family Clariidae as injurious wildlife making it illegal to possess without a federal permit

https://nas.er.usgs.gov/queries/FactSheet.aspx?SpeciesID=486
https://www.floridamuseum.ufl.edu/discover-fish/species-profiles/clarias-batrachus/
 

Resources

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• Florida's Exotic Wildlife Species Detail - Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
• Global Invasive Species Database - Invasive Species Specialist Group

Selected Images

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Maps

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Invasive Listing Sources

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• Delaware Invasive Finfish
• Everglades Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area
• Florida Conditional and Prohibited Non-Native Species Lists
• Florida Invasive Species Partnership
• Idaho Invasive Species Act
• Maryland Aquatic Nuisance Species Plan
• Maryland Invasive Species Council - Invasive Species of Concern in Maryland
• New York Regulated and Prohibited Invasive Species - Prohibited
• Southwest Florida Cooperative Invasive Species Mgmt. Area

References

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Common Name Reference: Integrated Taxonomic Information System on-line database.

Scientific Name Reference: Integrated Taxonomic Information System on-line database.