A review is made of the Clarias species known from the Lower Congo and from the Pool Malebo (Congo Basin). Six valid species are recognized for the Lower Congo and the Pool Malebo; these are C. gariepinus, C. platycephalus, C. camerunensis, C. gabonensis, C. buthupogon and C. angolensis. Diagnostics and species descriptions were updated with redefined or corrected diagnostic characters, and a key to the Clarias in the area was made. A revised synonymy for C. ngola and C. Lualae is proposed.