Fin's Fish Guide
The Devil catfish (Bagarius bagarius) is a brackish-water fish of the family Sisoridae that grows up to 230 cm.
Description
The devil catfish is a large hillstream catfish (Sisoridae) from large rivers of South and Southeast Asia, such as the Ganges and Mekong. The species can grow very large and has a flattened, yellow-brown body with dark saddle blotches, a broad flat head, barbels and stout, rearward-pointing fin spines. As a bottom-bound ambush predator it lies in strong current and seizes fish and large invertebrates. The fin spines can cause a deep, painful wound; handle with care.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Devil catfish?
The Devil catfish has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern. Bears sharp spines, plates or strong jaws that can cause cuts or puncture wounds; handle with care.
Where does the Devil catfish live?
The Devil catfish lives in brackish water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Asia: Bangladesh, Bhutan, Myanmar, Cambodia, China, India and others
How big does the Devil catfish get?
The Devil catfish grows to a maximum of about 230 cm.
Is the Devil catfish dangerous to humans?
The Devil catfish can cause injury; handle it with care. Handle the fish carefully; the stout pectoral and dorsal spines can give a deep, painful wound. Rinse the wound with clean water, apply pressure to stop bleeding and cover with a sterile dressing. Deep wounds easily become infected: have them assessed medically and check tetanus status.
Is the Devil catfish edible?
Yes, the Devil 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 Bagarius
More from the family Sisoridae
Want the complete picture on the Devil catfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Devil catfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.