Fin's Fish Guide
The Blue sea catfish (Ariopsis guatemalensis) is a fish that lives in both fresh and salt water of the family Ariidae that grows up to 54 cm.
Description
The blue sea catfish is a sea catfish from the eastern Pacific, from the mouth of the Colorado River in Mexico to Costa Rica. The species grows to about 54 cm and has scaleless, blue-grey skin with barbels around the mouth. As a bottom-dweller it lives in coastal, brackish and estuarine water to about 20 metres depth and eats bottom animals. It carries strong, very long spines in the pectoral fins that can give deep puncture wounds. The IUCN assesses the species as Least Concern (LC).
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Blue sea catfish?
The Blue sea catfish has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Very long pectoral fin spines that inflict deep puncture wounds; barbels around the mouth
Where does the Blue sea catfish live?
The Blue sea catfish lives in both fresh and salt water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Eastern Pacific
How big does the Blue sea catfish get?
The Blue sea catfish grows to a maximum of about 54 cm.
Is the Blue sea catfish dangerous to humans?
The Blue sea catfish can cause injury; handle it with care. The long, sharp pectoral spines can cause deep puncture wounds that infect easily. Clean and disinfect the wound thoroughly, remove any spine fragments and seek medical help and a tetanus check for a deep puncture.
Is the Blue sea catfish edible?
Yes, the Blue sea catfish is commonly eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Ariopsis
More from the family Ariidae
Want the complete picture on the Blue sea catfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Blue sea catfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.