Fin's Fish Guide
The Sheatfish (Phalacronotus apogon) is a freshwater fish of the family Siluridae that grows up to 130 cm.
Description
The sheatfish is a scaleless catfish (Siluridae) from large rivers of Sundaland and the Mekong basin in Southeast Asia. The species grows to about 1.3 metres and has a strongly elongate, laterally compressed, bright-silvery, almost translucent body with a very long anal fin and a small or absent dorsal fin. As a nocturnal open-water predator it hunts fish and crustaceans in the river. It is an important food fish. The fish is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Sheatfish?
The Sheatfish has an elongate, eel-like body and is mainly silver-grey.
Where does the Sheatfish live?
The Sheatfish lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Asia: Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Thailand
How big does the Sheatfish get?
The Sheatfish grows to a maximum of about 130 cm.
Is the Sheatfish dangerous to humans?
No, the Sheatfish is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.
Is the Sheatfish edible?
Yes, the Sheatfish is commonly eaten.
More photos
Want the complete picture on the Sheatfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Sheatfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.
All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Phalacronotus
More from the family Siluridae
Want the complete picture on the Sheatfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Sheatfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.