Fin's Fish Guide
The Guinean sea catfish (Carlarius parkii) is a brackish-water fish of the family Ariidae that grows up to 75 cm.
Description
The Guinean sea catfish is a sea catfish from coastal and estuarine water of West Africa. The species grows to about 75 cm and has a streamlined, greyish body with barbels and strong, serrated spines on the dorsal and pectoral fins that are linked to venom and can inflict painful puncture wounds. As a bottom-dweller it searches turbid coastal and estuarine water for crustaceans, molluscs and small fish. Males brood the eggs in the mouth. It is an important food fish. The IUCN assesses the species as Least Concern (LC).
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Guinean sea catfish?
The Guinean sea catfish has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Venomous serrated fin spines; the male broods the eggs in its mouth
Where does the Guinean sea catfish live?
The Guinean sea catfish lives in brackish water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. West Africa
How big does the Guinean sea catfish get?
The Guinean sea catfish grows to a maximum of about 75 cm. On average the species is around 40 cm.
Is the Guinean sea catfish dangerous to humans?
The Guinean sea catfish can cause injury; handle it with care. If pricked by a fin spine: immerse the wound in water as hot as tolerable (about 45 C) for 30-90 minutes, clean it thoroughly and seek medical help; puncture wounds infect easily.
Is the Guinean sea catfish edible?
Yes, the Guinean sea catfish is commonly eaten.
More photos
Easily confused with
These species look like the Guinean sea catfish and live in the same waters.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Carlarius
More from the family Ariidae
Want the complete picture on the Guinean sea catfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Guinean sea catfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.