Fin's Fish Guide
The Rough-head sea catfish (Arius latiscutatus) is a brackish-water fish of the family Ariidae that grows up to 60 cm.
Eastern Atlantic off West Africa; coastal waters and estuaries over sandy and muddy bottoms.
Description
The rough-head sea catfish is a sea catfish of the family Ariidae from the eastern Atlantic off West Africa. The species grows to about 60 cm and has a robust, silvery-grey body with a rough bony plate on the head, barbels around the mouth, an adipose fin and stout fin spines. It occurs in coastal waters and estuaries over sand and mud bottoms and tolerates brackish water. As a bottom predator it feeds on small fishes, crustaceans, molluscs and worms. 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 Rough-head sea catfish?
The Rough-head sea catfish has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Rough bony plate on the head; paternal mouthbrooder with venomous, serrated pectoral and dorsal fin spines.
Where does the Rough-head sea catfish live?
The Rough-head sea catfish lives in brackish water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Eastern Atlantic off West Africa; coastal waters and estuaries over sandy and muddy bottoms.
How big does the Rough-head sea catfish get?
The Rough-head sea catfish grows to a maximum of about 60 cm.
Is the Rough-head sea catfish dangerous to humans?
The Rough-head sea catfish is venomous — handle spines with care and seek medical help after a sting if needed. 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 Rough-head sea catfish edible?
Yes, the Rough-head sea catfish is commonly eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Arius
More from the family Ariidae
Want the complete picture on the Rough-head sea catfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Rough-head sea catfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.