Taxonomy
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Actinopterygii
- Order
- Siluriformes
- Family
- Siluridae
- Genus
- Silurus
- Species
- lithophilus
Habitat
This species inhabits freshwater lakes and rivers in Japan, particularly the rocky and vegetated areas of Lake Biwa and its basin. It prefers deeper waters with substrates of rocks and gravel, avoiding fast currents and shallow zones. These environments provide cover and ample food sources.
Diet
The rock catfish primarily feeds on small fish, crustaceans, and aquatic insects, using its barbels to detect prey in low-visibility conditions. It is mostly nocturnal, actively hunting at night and resting during the day in hidden spots. Feeding behavior includes ambushing prey from cover or scavenging along the bottom.
Behavior
Rock catfish are solitary and territorial, particularly in defended feeding areas, and become more aggressive during spawning. They are primarily nocturnal, spending daylight hours hidden under rocks or in crevices to avoid predators. This species exhibits burrowing behavior to create nests and is known for its sensitivity to water quality changes.
Conservation Status
Listed as Not Evaluated by IUCN.