Fin's Fish Guide
The Catfish (Mystus gulio) is a brackish-water fish of the family Bagridae that grows up to 46 cm.
Description
The long whiskers catfish is a bagrid catfish (Bagridae) from South Asia. The species has an elongate, scaleless, greyish body with four pairs of very long barbels, an adipose fin and stout pectoral and dorsal fin spines. It is mainly a brackish-water fish that also enters fresh water; it occurs in estuaries, river mouths and larger rivers. As a nocturnal omnivore it searches the bottom with its barbels for insects, crustaceans, worms and plant matter. The stout, serrated fin spines can give a painful puncture wound when handled.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Catfish?
The Catfish has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Four pairs of very long barbels; brackish-water spiny catfish with serrated fin spines.
Where does the Catfish live?
The Catfish lives in brackish water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. South Asia; estuaries, river mouths and larger rivers.
How big does the Catfish get?
The Catfish grows to a maximum of about 46 cm. On average the species is around 15 cm.
Is the Catfish dangerous to humans?
No, the Catfish is harmless to humans. Not venomous, but the stout, serrated pectoral and dorsal fin spines can inflict a painful puncture wound. Clean the wound thoroughly and seek medical care if it becomes infected.
Is the Catfish edible?
Yes, the 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 Mystus
More from the family Bagridae
Want the complete picture on the Catfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Catfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.