Fin's Fish Guide
The Chihuil (Bagre panamensis) is a brackish-water fish of the family Ariidae that grows up to 51 cm.
Description
The chilhuil sea catfish is a sea catfish (Ariidae) from the eastern Pacific. The species has a streamlined, scaleless body with long barbels and stout spines before the dorsal and pectoral fins. It lives close inshore, usually on muddy bottoms, and enters estuaries. As an omnivore it searches the bottom for crustaceans, molluscs, worms and small fishes. The male incubates the large eggs in its mouth. The spine before the dorsal and pectoral fins is venomous and can cause a painful wound.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Chihuil?
The Chihuil has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. The male is a mouthbrooder; venomous dorsal and pectoral fin spine.
Where does the Chihuil live?
The Chihuil lives in brackish water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Eastern Pacific; muddy bottoms and estuaries.
How big does the Chihuil get?
The Chihuil grows to a maximum of about 51 cm.
Is the Chihuil dangerous to humans?
The Chihuil 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 Chihuil edible?
Yes, the Chihuil is commonly eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Bagre
More from the family Ariidae
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Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Chihuil is one of 12,519 species in the app.