Fin's Fish Guide
The Spotted catfish (Arius maculatus) is a fish that lives in both fresh and salt water of the family Ariidae that grows up to 80 cm.
Description
The spotted catfish is a sea catfish from the Indo-West Pacific, from India, Sri Lanka and Pakistan to the Arafura Sea and the Indo-Australian Archipelago, also in the Mekong Delta. The species grows to about 80 cm and has scaleless, greyish skin with barbels around the mouth. As a bottom-dweller it lives in coastal, brackish and estuarine water between about 50 and 100 metres and eats invertebrates and small fish. It carries strong, venomous spines in the dorsal and pectoral fins that can give painful puncture wounds. The IUCN has not evaluated the species (NE).
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Spotted catfish?
The Spotted catfish has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Venomous dorsal and pectoral fin spines; barbels around the mouth
Where does the Spotted catfish live?
The Spotted catfish lives in both fresh and salt water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Indo-West Pacific
How big does the Spotted catfish get?
The Spotted catfish grows to a maximum of about 80 cm. On average the species is around 30 cm.
Is the Spotted catfish dangerous to humans?
The Spotted catfish can cause injury; handle it with care. The dorsal and pectoral fin spines are venomous and cause painful puncture wounds. Immerse the injured area in water as hot as tolerable (about 45 C) for 30-90 minutes to break down the venom, clean the wound and seek medical help for a deep puncture.
Is the Spotted catfish edible?
Yes, the Spotted catfish is commonly eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Arius
More from the family Ariidae
Want the complete picture on the Spotted catfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Spotted catfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.