Fin's Fish Guide
The Flathead sea catfish (Notarius planiceps) is a brackish-water fish of the family Ariidae that grows up to 60 cm.
Description
The flathead sea catfish is a sea catfish of the family Ariidae from the eastern Pacific, from Mexico to Panama. The species grows to about 60 cm and has a robust, silvery-grey body with a flattened head, barbels around the mouth, an adipose fin and stout fin spines. It occurs in coastal waters over sandy bottoms and enters estuaries. As a bottom predator it feeds on small 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 Flathead sea catfish?
The Flathead sea catfish has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Paternal mouthbrooder with a flattened head; venomous, serrated pectoral and dorsal fin spines.
Where does the Flathead sea catfish live?
The Flathead sea catfish lives in brackish water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Eastern Pacific; coastal waters and estuaries from Mexico to Panama.
How big does the Flathead sea catfish get?
The Flathead sea catfish grows to a maximum of about 60 cm.
Is the Flathead sea catfish dangerous to humans?
The Flathead sea 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 Flathead sea catfish edible?
Yes, the Flathead sea catfish is commonly eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Notarius
More from the family Ariidae
Want the complete picture on the Flathead sea catfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Flathead sea catfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.