Fin's Fish Guide
The Blue catfish (Neoarius graeffei) is a fish that lives in both fresh and salt water of the family Ariidae that grows up to 60 cm.
Australia and New Guinea; rivers, lagoons, estuaries and coastal waters.
Description
Graeffe's catfish is a sea catfish (Ariidae) from Australia and New Guinea. The species grows to about 60 cm and has a streamlined, scaleless body with barbels and stout, serrated pectoral and dorsal fin spines. It is remarkably salt-tolerant and inhabits freshwater rivers and lagoons, brackish estuaries and coastal waters, at temperatures from 11 to 38 degrees. As an omnivore it searches the bottom for invertebrates, small fishes and plant matter. The male incubates the eggs in its mouth. The pectoral and dorsal fin spines are venomous and give a painful puncture wound.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Blue catfish?
The Blue catfish has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Highly salt-tolerant; the male is a mouthbrooder; venomous, serrated fin spines.
Where does the Blue catfish live?
The Blue catfish lives in both fresh and salt water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Australia and New Guinea; rivers, lagoons, estuaries and coastal waters.
How big does the Blue catfish get?
The Blue catfish grows to a maximum of about 60 cm.
Is the Blue catfish dangerous to humans?
The Blue catfish can cause injury; handle it with care. 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 Blue catfish edible?
Yes, the Blue catfish is commonly eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Neoarius
More from the family Ariidae
Want the complete picture on the Blue catfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Blue catfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.