labyrinth catfish family clarias catfish A genus of catfishes (order Siluriformes) of the family Clariidae, the airbreathing catfishes. They are found in inland waters throughout much of the Old World, and are one of the most widespread catfish genera in the world. Many of the species are of great economic importance in both fisheries and fish culture. Clarias Scopoli, 1777 Clarias requires discussion