Fin's Fish Guide
The Sparse sea catfish (Sciades paucus) is a freshwater fish of the family Ariidae that grows up to 130 cm.
Description
The Sparse sea catfish is a sea catfish (Ariidae) from turbid coastal, estuarine and lower river water around Australia and the Indo-West Pacific. The species grows to about 40 cm and has a sturdy, greyish, scaleless body with a bony nape plate, barbels around the mouth and an adipose fin. As a bottom-dweller it searches over sand and mud for worms, crustaceans and small fish; the male broods the large eggs in his mouth. The dorsal and pectoral spines are venomous and can give a painful puncture wound.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Sparse sea catfish?
The Sparse sea catfish has a torpedo-shaped body and is mainly silver-grey. Bears venomous spines or tissue; handle with great care.
Where does the Sparse sea catfish live?
The Sparse sea catfish lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Oceania: Australia
How big does the Sparse sea catfish get?
The Sparse sea catfish grows to a maximum of about 130 cm.
Is the Sparse sea catfish dangerous to humans?
The Sparse sea catfish 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 Sciades
More from the family Ariidae
Want the complete picture on the Sparse sea catfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Sparse sea catfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.