Photo: Unknown author / Public domain (via Wikimedia Commons)
Silurus asotus
Far Eastern Catfish
Freshwater
About this species
A smooth-skinned, whiskered catfish common in Korean rivers, reservoirs and rice-field channels, active mainly at night. It ambushes fish, frogs and crustaceans in muddy, slow water. Live baits, cut fish and dark lures worked slowly after dark bring strong bites.
Season
123456789101112
Depth
0 – 10 m
Habitat Spots
RiverLakeReservoir
Fishing Methods
BottomLure
Bait & Rig
Live or cut fish, frogs and earthworms fished on the bottom at night; dark-colored surface lures worked slowly through weedy shallows also draw strikes.
Edibility & Taste
Popular in Korean cuisine, especially in spicy catfish soup (매운탕); the firm flesh absorbs seasoning well.
Similar Species
Northern snakehead (가물치) is similarly elongated but has scales, a distinctive cobra-patterned head and two long continuous dorsal and anal fins rather than a scaleless catfish body.
Record Weight
10 kg