Diagnosis: Characterized by a relatively long vomerine tooth plate (5.9-14.4% of head length) and by a relatively short adipose fin (5.9-12.5% of standard length), the length of which is a specific character of Clarias ngamensis; head oval to rectangular in dorsal outline; frontal fontanelle long and narrow (`knife-shaped'); occipital fontanelle small and oval-shaped; pectoral spine robust and slightly curved; the suprabranchial organ consists of well developed arborescent structures (Ref. 248). It is distinguished from Clarias gariepinus by having a short adipose fin behind the rayed dorsal and an ovoid vomerine toothplate with granular or blunt teeth (Ref. 52193).

Description: Dorsal fin with 56-62 rays; anal fin with 50-58 rays; pectoral spines barbed along outer edge only (Ref. 52193). Gill rakers short and widely spaced, 18-32 on first gill arch; accessory suprabranchial airbreathing organ well developed (Ref. 52193).Colouration: Colour variable, grey or dark brown, often marbled, with cream or whitish underside to head and abdomen (Ref. 52193).