Amur Catfish (Freshwater Fishes Book 2, second release by Yujin)

This figure is the Amur Catfish, Silurus asotus, model 21 and number 6 from the second series. For whatever reason, there are two ‘Amur’ fish in the series, one after the other. Despite there being at least a few catfish species in Japan this is the only one in the series. This is a potentially large catfish species that is fond of slower moving water such as irrigation canals and streams. They are found in Eastern Asia and Japan. They can get quite large but are kept in aquariums, and are reared or fished for food. They are listed by the IUCN as Least Concern but some populations are seeing declines.

Amur catfish are predators of smaller fish, which is obvious by the anterior-facing mouth; this is one of the larger native predatory fish in Japan. Like the other large catfish of Japan, they are also locally associated with causing earthquakes, which is unlikely but gives them a special cultural regard there. The Yujin model gives a length of around 60cm (which is probably more common) but several sources mentioned that they can reach 130cm.

This model is about 7 cm long, making the figure roughly 1:9 scale based on the Yujin value; using the larger maximum value the figure is closer to 1:19 scale. The figure is another very nice, subtle approach to colouring, with a dark brown base mottled with lighter brown patches throughout the body; the base colour fades to white on the distended belly. There are even shaded and highlighted patches, giving the impression of light and shadows casting over the fish. The fins stand out as translucent yellow, while the two pairs of whiskers (an adult trait) are molded into the body and are dark brown. Overall the fish has a definite hunting appearance to it—the bright black eyes make it look like a fish that is always ready to eat. The base is the raised vertical rock, again grey with a brownish wash.

There are a number of silurid catfish made by Japanese companies, but I am not always clear if they intend to be this one, or one of the other 2 species found in Japan (Silurus biwaensis and Silurus lithophilus). Kaiyodo has made at least one of each of these other two, and I am certain that other models exist of all 3 catfish. In fact, I am pretty sure I have figures of both myself, and the latter two appear to be more common; it’s possible that Yujin is the only Amur catfish figure as best as I can tell.

Starting on the 14th of January, 2024, I migrated my first Yujin Freshwater Fish Pictorial walkaround post from the Animal Toy Forum to this blog, with the intention of moving all species’/figures’ walkarounds here. The initial post contained a lengthy explanation of the series (both the original and updated) that I don’t think should be repeated each time! For those details, the post can be seen at the first post. Then we can just get to the fish. Most of the details and writing will come from the original post, although I may supplement/add where appropriate.