Fin's Fish Guide
The Barbel-eel catfish (Plotosus canius) is a fish that lives in both fresh and salt water of the family Plotosidae that grows up to 111 cm.
Description
The gray eeltail catfish is an eeltail catfish (Plotosidae) from the Indo-West Pacific. The species has an elongate, scaleless, greyish body with barbels and an eel-like, continuous rear-body fin; it can grow fairly large. Adults live mainly in estuaries and lagoons and sometimes ascend the lower reaches of rivers to almost fresh water. As a bottom predator it feeds on crustaceans, molluscs, worms and small fishes. The pectoral and dorsal fin spines are strongly venomous and give an extremely painful wound; treat a sting with hot water and seek medical help.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Barbel-eel catfish?
The Barbel-eel catfish has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Eel-shaped catfish with highly venomous pectoral and dorsal fin spines; estuarine and partly freshwater-tolerant.
Where does the Barbel-eel catfish live?
The Barbel-eel catfish lives in both fresh and salt water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Indo-West Pacific; estuaries, lagoons and lower reaches of rivers.
How big does the Barbel-eel catfish get?
The Barbel-eel catfish grows to a maximum of about 111 cm. On average the species is around 80 cm.
Is the Barbel-eel catfish dangerous to humans?
The Barbel-eel catfish is venomous — handle spines with care and seek medical help after a sting if needed. The fin spines are venomous and give a painful, burning puncture wound. Immerse the wound for 30-90 minutes in water as hot as can be tolerated (about 45 C) and seek medical care if pain or infection persists.
Is the Barbel-eel catfish edible?
Yes, the Barbel-eel catfish is commonly eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Plotosus
More from the family Plotosidae
Want the complete picture on the Barbel-eel catfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Barbel-eel catfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.