Fin's Fish Guide
The Softhead sea catfish (Amphiarius rugispinis) is a brackish-water fish of the family Ariidae that grows up to 47 cm.
Description
Amphiarius rugispinis is a sea catfish of the family Ariidae from coastal waters of eastern South America. The species has an elongate, greyish body with barbels around the mouth and lives on muddy bottoms of turbid estuaries, mangrove lagoons and the lower reaches of rivers, tolerating strongly varying salinities. As a bottom dweller it feeds on benthic animals and small fishes. The dorsal and pectoral fins bear a serrated, venomous spine that can cause painful puncture wounds. Like other sea catfishes the male broods the relatively large eggs in its mouth. The species is of limited local fishery importance.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Softhead sea catfish?
The Softhead sea catfish has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Venomous, serrated fin spines; the male broods the eggs in its mouth (estuarine dweller).
Where does the Softhead sea catfish live?
The Softhead sea catfish lives in brackish water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Estuaries and mangrove lagoons of eastern South America.
How big does the Softhead sea catfish get?
The Softhead sea catfish grows to a maximum of about 47 cm. On average the species is around 28 cm.
Is the Softhead sea catfish dangerous to humans?
The Softhead sea catfish is venomous — handle spines with care and seek medical help after a sting if needed. The serrated dorsal and pectoral spines are venomous and can cause painful puncture wounds. Rinse the wound, remove any remaining material and immerse it for 30-90 minutes in water as hot as can be tolerated (about 45 °C) to break down the venom; seek medical help in case of severe pain or infection.
Is the Softhead sea catfish edible?
The Softhead sea catfish is rarely eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Amphiarius
More from the family Ariidae
Want the complete picture on the Softhead sea catfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Softhead sea catfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.