What is an airbreathing catfish?

An airbreathing catfish belongs to the group of catfishes that possess specialised adaptations to breathe atmospheric oxygen directly, enabling them to thrive in environments with low levels of dissolved oxygen. These catfishes can utilise atmospheric oxygen by gulping air at the water's surface and absorbing it through internal, air-filled structures like their swim bladders, modified intestines, or labyrinthine respiratory organs.

They exhibit a remarkable ability to survive in shallow, stagnant waters, marshes, swamps, and even on land for short periods during dry seasons. By breathing air, they bypass the limitation of their primary gills for efficient oxygen extraction. Some notable examples of airbreathing catfishes include Walking Catfish (Clarias), South American Lungfish (Lepidosiren), Snakehead Catfish (Channa), and Bumblebee Catfish (Microglanis). These fishes employ different airbreathing mechanisms in various ecological niches around the world.