Siluridae

Biwa Rock Catfish

Silurus lithophilus

Endemic Catfish of Japanese Waters

• Temperate
• Local endemic species
• Restricted distribution
• Freshwater fish
• East Asia
• Large
• Temperate fish

Silurus lithophilus, the rock catfish (in Japanese, イワトコナマズ [iwatoko-namazu]), is a species of catfish that is endemic to the Lake Biwa basin in Japan. It primarily inhabits rocky habitats. Silurus lithophilus is a predator that feeds on small fishes, crustaceans and insects.