Fin's Fish Guide
The Salween rita (Rita sacerdotum) is a freshwater fish of the family Bagridae that grows up to 200 cm.
Description
The Salween rita is a catfish of the bagrid family (Bagridae) from fresh and brackish water of the Salween basin in Southeast Asia. The species grows to about 60 cm and has a stocky, grey-brown body with a broad head, short barbels and stout, serrated spines in the dorsal and pectoral fins. As a bottom-dweller it searches rivers and estuaries for molluscs, crustaceans, insects and small fish. The fin spines are venomous and can give a painful puncture wound.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Salween rita?
The Salween rita has a torpedo-shaped body and is mainly brown. Bears venomous spines or tissue; handle with great care.
Where does the Salween rita live?
The Salween rita lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Asia: Myanmar, Thailand
How big does the Salween rita get?
The Salween rita grows to a maximum of about 200 cm.
Is the Salween rita dangerous to humans?
The Salween rita is venomous — handle spines with care and seek medical help after a sting if needed. For a sting from a fin spine: rinse the wound, remove any visible spine fragments and immerse the part for 30-90 minutes in water as hot as can be tolerated (about 45 C) to break down the venom. The pain can be severe. For marked swelling, a retained spine or signs of infection seek medical care and check tetanus status.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Rita
More from the family Bagridae
Want the complete picture on the Salween rita?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Salween rita is one of 12,519 species in the app.