Fin's Fish Guide
The Shortbarbel sheatfish (Phalacronotus micronemus) is a freshwater fish of the family Siluridae that grows up to 50 cm.
Description
The shortbarbel sheatfish is a sheatfish (Siluridae) from large rivers and floodplains of Southeast Asia. The species grows to about 50 cm and has a strongly laterally compressed, silvery, scaleless body with a long anal fin, a small or absent dorsal fin and short barbels. As a predator it hunts small fish, shrimp and insects in open water. It is a valued food fish. The pectoral spine can give a painful puncture wound when handled.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Shortbarbel sheatfish?
The Shortbarbel sheatfish has an elongate, eel-like body and is mainly silver-grey. Bears sharp spines, plates or strong jaws that can cause cuts or puncture wounds; handle with care.
Where does the Shortbarbel sheatfish live?
The Shortbarbel sheatfish lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Asia: Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Thailand
How big does the Shortbarbel sheatfish get?
The Shortbarbel sheatfish grows to a maximum of about 50 cm.
Is the Shortbarbel sheatfish dangerous to humans?
The Shortbarbel sheatfish can cause injury; handle it with care. For a puncture or cut from a fin spine: rinse the wound thoroughly with clean water, apply pressure to stop bleeding and remove any visible fragments. Cover and keep clean. For a deep wound, a retained spine or signs of infection see a doctor and check tetanus status.
Is the Shortbarbel sheatfish edible?
The Shortbarbel sheatfish is rarely eaten.
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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 Shortbarbel sheatfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Shortbarbel sheatfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.