Fin's Fish Guide
The Gillbacker sea catfish (Sciades parkeri) is a brackish-water fish of the family Ariidae that grows up to 190 cm.
Description
The gillbacker sea catfish (Sciades parkeri) is a large sea catfish of the family Ariidae from coastal waters of northern South America. The species has a robust, greyish body with barbels and can reach about 1.9 metres. It lives mainly in turbid water over muddy bottoms of coastal areas, estuaries and the lower reaches of rivers. It matures after about two years of age; upon hatching the young are relatively large (6-6.5 cm), reflecting large eggs that the male broods in its mouth. The dorsal and pectoral fins bear a serrated, venomous spine. Owing to fishing the species is assessed as Vulnerable (VU).
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Gillbacker sea catfish?
The Gillbacker sea catfish has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Large sea catfish with venomous fin spines; the male broods large eggs in its mouth (VU).
Where does the Gillbacker sea catfish live?
The Gillbacker sea catfish lives in brackish water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Turbid coastal waters and estuaries of northern South America.
How big does the Gillbacker sea catfish get?
The Gillbacker sea catfish grows to a maximum of about 190 cm. On average the species is around 90 cm.
Is the Gillbacker sea catfish dangerous to humans?
The Gillbacker 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); seek medical help in case of severe pain or infection.
Is the Gillbacker sea catfish edible?
The Gillbacker sea catfish is rarely eaten.
More photos
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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 Gillbacker sea catfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Gillbacker sea catfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.