Fin's Fish Guide
The Couma sea catfish (Sciades couma) is a fish that lives in both fresh and salt water of the family Ariidae that grows up to 97 cm.
Western Atlantic along northeastern South America, in muddy coastal waters, estuaries and river mouths; tolerates brackish water.
Description
The couma sea catfish is a large sea catfish of the family Ariidae reaching about 97 cm. The sturdy, silvery-grey body has barbels around the inferior mouth, an adipose fin and a deeply forked tail. The pectoral and dorsal fins bear stout spines armed with venom that can cause a painful, burning wound. The species lives on muddy bottoms of coastal waters, estuaries and river mouths along northeastern South America and tolerates brackish water. On the bottom it hunts crustaceans, molluscs, worms and small fish. Like many sea catfishes it is a mouthbrooder: the male broods the strikingly large eggs in his mouth. With its tasty flesh it is a valued food fish; care with the venomous spines is needed when handling.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Couma sea catfish?
The Couma sea catfish has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Large sea catfish with barbels, an adipose fin and sturdy, venom-bearing spines in the pectoral and dorsal fin; the male broods the eggs in its mouth.
Where does the Couma sea catfish live?
The Couma sea catfish lives in both fresh and salt water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Western Atlantic along northeastern South America, in muddy coastal waters, estuaries and river mouths; tolerates brackish water.
How big does the Couma sea catfish get?
The Couma sea catfish grows to a maximum of about 97 cm. On average the species is around 50 cm.
Is the Couma sea catfish dangerous to humans?
The Couma sea catfish is venomous — handle spines with care and seek medical help after a sting if needed. The pectoral and dorsal fin spines carry venom that causes a painful, burning wound; handle a caught animal carefully and immerse a sting in hot (not boiling) water.
Is the Couma sea catfish edible?
Yes, the Couma sea catfish is commonly eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Sciades
More from the family Ariidae
Want the complete picture on the Couma sea catfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Couma sea catfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.