walking catfish

walking catfish

noun

Definition of WALKING CATFISH

: an Asian freshwater catfish (Clarias batrachus of the family Clariidae) that is able to move about on land and has become established in Florida waters

First Known Use of WALKING CATFISH

1968

Rhymes with WALKING CATFISH

butterfly fish, channel catfish, mosquito fish, porcupine fish, satellite dish, scorpion fish, tropical fish

walking catfish

noun    (Concise Encyclopedia)

Species (Clarias batrachus) of Asian and African catfish that can progress remarkable distances over dry land. It uses its pectoral-fin spines as anchors to prevent jackknifing as its body musculature produces snakelike movements. Treelike respiratory structures extending above the gill chambers enable it to breathe. It has been introduced into southern Florida, where it now poses a serious threat to native fauna.