Freshwater · May-October; most active at night in warm months
Anderson's Torrent Catfish
Liobagrus andersoni
Korea's widespread torrent catfish — nocturnal, stone-hiding, and a sign of clean streams. Its Korean name 퉁가리 differs by a single letter from the protected 퉁사리 (class I, Geum system), so every small catfish of this genus must be identified with great care — and if there is any doubt, released.
Seasons · Peak
Identifying features
- Small scaleless yellow-brown catfish with 4 pairs of barbels
- Adipose fin low and clearly separate from the tail fin
- Rounded, broad tail fin and short dorsal fin
- Slimmer body than the congener whose adipose fin fuses into the tail
- Mouth broad and flat, made for living under stones
Habits
- Hides under stones by day, out feeding at night
- Endemic to Korea — a purely Korean catfish
- Feeds on aquatic insects and tiny fish
- Sensitive to pollution — an index fish of clean streams
- Name caution: 퉁가리 (this species) and 퉁사리 (the protected class-I L. obesus) differ by a single letter — identify every small Liobagrus with great care, and if in doubt release it
Distribution
Regional coverage expanding
Where to find them
- Han River basin mountain streams, Gyeonggi-do
- Upper Nakdong basin tributaries, Gyeongsangbuk-do
- Yeongwol and Pyeongchang county streams
Where they live
How to catch them
Night stream fishing at stone pools River
Rig: Small hook with a worm piece fished tight to the bottom beside stone pools in slow runs, after dark
Bait/lure: Worm piece or bee larva
Key tip: Fish after dark — they will not leave stones by day; strike quickly at the first tug.
Light bottom fishing in clear runs River
Rig: Light rig with a fish piece placed in clear runs at current-sheltered spots
Bait/lure: Tiny fish pieces
Key tip: Only clean headwater streams hold them; treat the genus with respect and release every doubtful catch.
Best baits & lures
Baseline setup
- Rod: Light 6-7 ft stream rod
- Line: 4-6 lb monofilament
- Terminal: Small hooks size 8-12, small split shot
Recommended gear for this species
Rod · Best value
9' 5-weight fly rod outfit
≈ US$180-260
Covers chironomid lakes and small rivers with one setup.
Flies · Budget
Chironomid assortment (30 patterns)
≈ US$25-40
Chironomids are 60% of a lake rainbow's diet in spring.
Picks come from our rule library — never paid placements. Prices are guides; affiliate links may earn us a commission.
Typical size
Common 3-4.5 in (8-11 cm); maximum about 5 in (12 cm)
On the table
Tiny; used in soups, but release is the wise practice given the confusion risk with the protected species.
Similar species
Korean Torrent BullheadKorean torrent bullhead (자가사리) is the congener with the adipose fin fused into the tail; 퉁가리 differs by a separate adipose fin and slimmer build
Japanese Bagrid CatfishJapanese bagrid catfish is a larger, slim lowland catfish; torrent catfish is a small, chunky mountain-stream fishRegulations vary by area and can change in-season — always check the official rules for your area before you fish. Regulations guide →
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