Barbel

The sharptooth catfish, or barbel, is the largest fish species in Venda. It is easily recognized by islong scaeless body, broad, flat, bony head and the our pairs of barbels around the mouth. It is an extremely hardy species capable of air breathing, which enables it to survive harsh conditions unsuited for most other fish. It eats almost any kind of food and grows rapidly to reach a weight of as much as 66 lb. The sharptooth catfish is one of Venda's most important food fishes.