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- Title
THE MODE OF TERRESTRIAL LOCOMOTION IN CLARIAS.
- Authors
Jonnels, Alf G.
- Abstract
The article cites a study on the mode of terrestrial locomotion in Clarias. It is well known that a number of African as well as Indian cat-fish species belonging to the family Clariidae have more or less amphibious habits. These fishes are able to move over land from a desiccating pond to another body of water. They are also known to be able to withstand periods of drought by burrowing in the mud of dried-up pools. A scientist made observations which indicate that shoals of Clarias lazera may leave water temporarily for a walk over dry land without being forced to do so by drought. It has been reported that specimens of Clarias lazera burrow in the ground of dried-up pools and that they may temporarily leave their burrows by night in search of food. Thus it seems that these fishes are able to move actively on dry land outside their normal medium. The locomotion on uncovered ground has been observed by several scientists. In 1950, the author observed and filmed a specimen of Clarias in the act of progressing on dry land.
- Subjects
CLARIAS; ANIMAL locomotion; CLARIIDAE; CATFISHES; CLARIAS gariepinus; PONDS
- Publication
Oikos, 1957, Vol 8, Issue 2, p122
- ISSN
0030-1299
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.2307/3564996