Fin's Fish Guide
The Flapnose sea catfish (Sciades herzbergii) is a fish that lives in both fresh and salt water of the family Ariidae that grows up to 94 cm.
Description
The gillbacker sea catfish (Sciades herzbergii) is a sea catfish of the family Ariidae from coastal waters of eastern South America. The species has an elongate, greyish body with barbels around the mouth and can reach about 90 cm. It inhabits turbid estuaries, mangrove lagoons and the lower reaches of rivers and tolerates strongly varying salinities. As a bottom dweller it feeds on a great variety of benthic and pelagic organisms. The dorsal and pectoral fins bear a serrated, venomous spine that can cause painful puncture wounds. Like other sea catfishes the male broods the large eggs in its mouth. The species is of local fishery importance.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Flapnose sea catfish?
The Flapnose sea catfish has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Venomous, serrated fin spines; the male broods the large eggs in its mouth; tolerant of varying salinity.
Where does the Flapnose sea catfish live?
The Flapnose sea catfish lives in both fresh and salt water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Estuaries and mangrove lagoons of eastern South America.
How big does the Flapnose sea catfish get?
The Flapnose sea catfish grows to a maximum of about 94 cm. On average the species is around 30 cm.
Is the Flapnose sea catfish dangerous to humans?
The Flapnose sea catfish can cause injury; handle it with care. The serrated dorsal and pectoral spines are venomous and can cause painful puncture wounds. Rinse the wound, remove any remaining material and immerse it for 30-90 minutes in water as hot as can be tolerated (about 45 °C) to break down the venom; seek medical help in case of severe pain or infection.
Is the Flapnose sea catfish edible?
The Flapnose sea catfish is rarely eaten.
More photos
Want the complete picture on the Flapnose sea catfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Flapnose sea catfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.
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 Flapnose sea catfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Flapnose sea catfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.