Fin's Fish Guide
The Smoothmouth sea catfish (Carlarius heudelotii) is a fish that lives in both fresh and salt water of the family Ariidae that grows up to 83 cm.
Eastern Atlantic along the coast of West Africa, over soft bottoms of coastal water, estuaries and lagoons; tolerates brackish water.
Description
The smoothmouth sea catfish is a marine catfish of the family Ariidae reaching about 83 cm. The silvery-grey, scaleless body has three pairs of barbels around the inferior mouth, with which the fish probes the soft bottom. The dorsal and pectoral fins bear strong, serrated spines with venom at the base; a prick is very painful. The species lives over soft bottoms of coastal water, estuaries and lagoons along the West African coast and tolerates brackish water. On the bottom it searches for worms, crustaceans, molluscs and small fish. Like other sea catfishes it is a mouthbrooder: the male carries the large eggs and young in its mouth. It is a valued food fish.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Smoothmouth sea catfish?
The Smoothmouth sea catfish has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Marine catfish with three pairs of barbels and strong, venomous spines in the dorsal and pectoral fins; the male broods the eggs in his mouth.
Where does the Smoothmouth sea catfish live?
The Smoothmouth sea catfish lives in both fresh and salt water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Eastern Atlantic along the coast of West Africa, over soft bottoms of coastal water, estuaries and lagoons; tolerates brackish water.
How big does the Smoothmouth sea catfish get?
The Smoothmouth sea catfish grows to a maximum of about 83 cm. On average the species is around 35 cm.
Is the Smoothmouth sea catfish dangerous to humans?
The Smoothmouth sea catfish is venomous — handle spines with care and seek medical help after a sting if needed. The fin spines are venomous; a prick causes severe, burning pain. Immerse the wound for 30-90 minutes in water as hot as can be tolerated (about 45 C) and seek medical help for severe reactions.
Is the Smoothmouth sea catfish edible?
Yes, the Smoothmouth sea catfish is a highly prized food fish.
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Status & sources
Same genus Carlarius
More from the family Ariidae
Want the complete picture on the Smoothmouth sea catfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Smoothmouth sea catfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.