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Blacktip sea catfish (Plicofollis dussumieri) — Ariidae

Blacktip sea catfish

Plicofollis dussumieri
Family: Ariidae

The Blacktip sea catfish (Plicofollis dussumieri) is a fish that lives in both fresh and salt water of the family Ariidae that grows up to 85 cm.

Length
85 cm
Water
Euryhaline
Depth
20.0–50.0 m
Diet
Carnivore
Activity
Nocturnal
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Venomous / poisonous

Description

The Blacktip sea catfish is a sea catfish (Ariidae) from coastal and brackish water of the Indo-West Pacific. The species grows to about 85 cm and has an elongate, greyish body with barbels around the mouth. As a bottom-dweller it searches turbid coastal and estuarine water for worms, crustaceans and small fish; the male broods the eggs in his mouth. Before the dorsal fin and each pectoral fin stands a stout, venomous spine that causes a painful wound; handle with care.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Blacktip sea catfish?

The Blacktip sea catfish has a torpedo-shaped body and is mainly silver-grey.

Where does the Blacktip sea catfish live?

The Blacktip sea catfish lives in both fresh and salt water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom.

How big does the Blacktip sea catfish get?

The Blacktip sea catfish grows to a maximum of about 85 cm.

Is the Blacktip sea catfish dangerous to humans?

The Blacktip sea catfish is venomous — handle spines with care and seek medical help after a sting if needed.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Zwartpunt-zeemeerval sourced
English name
Blacktip sea catfish sourced
Scientific name
Plicofollis dussumieri
Family
Ariidae
Other names
Blacktip sea catfish; Dussumier's catfish; Giant marine cat fish; Marine catfish verified

Appearance

Size class
Extra large verified
Max length (cm)
85.0 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey sourced
Tail shape
Forked inferred
Barbels
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Euryhaline sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Min depth (m)
20.0 verified
Max depth (m)
50.0 verified
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Activity
Nocturnal inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred

For anglers

Fishing method
Bodemvissen met natuurlijk aas (worm, garnaal of vis) op of vlak boven de bodem. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Venomous / poisonous verified

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Plicofollis

More from the family Ariidae

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