Fin's Fish Guide
The Catfish (Netuma thalassina) is a fish that lives in both fresh and salt water of the family Ariidae that grows up to 185 cm.
Description
The giant sea catfish is a large sea catfish of the family Ariidae from the Indo-West Pacific. The species grows to about 1.85 metres and has a robust, silver-grey body with barbels around the mouth and an adipose fin. It is a marine species that often visits estuaries but rarely enters fresh water. As a bottom predator it feeds on fishes, crustaceans and molluscs. Like other sea catfishes it is a paternal mouthbrooder: the male broods the large eggs in its mouth. The stout, serrated pectoral and dorsal spines bear venom and can give a painful puncture wound; therefore handle the fish with care.
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. Large sea catfish; paternal mouthbrooder with venomous, serrated pectoral and dorsal fin spines.
Where does the Catfish live?
The Catfish lives in both fresh and salt water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Indo-West Pacific; marine coastal waters, often estuaries.
How big does the Catfish get?
The Catfish grows to a maximum of about 185 cm. On average the species is around 70 cm.
Is the Catfish dangerous to humans?
The 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 Catfish edible?
Yes, the Catfish is commonly eaten.
More photos
Easily confused with
These species look like the Catfish and live in the same waters.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Netuma
More from the family Ariidae
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.