Fin's Fish Guide
The Thinspine sea catfish (Plicofollis tonggol) is a brackish-water fish of the family Ariidae that grows up to 40 cm.
Description
The thinspine sea catfish is a sea catfish from the Indo-West Pacific, in coastal and estuarine water of South and Southeast Asia. The species grows to about 40 cm and has a scaleless, greyish body with barbels around the mouth. It carries strong, venomous spines in the dorsal and pectoral fins that give painful puncture wounds. As a bottom-dweller it eats crustaceans, molluscs and small fish; the male broods the eggs in his mouth. The IUCN assesses the species as Least Concern (LC).
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Thinspine sea catfish?
The Thinspine sea catfish has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Venomous dorsal and pectoral fin spines; the male is a mouthbrooder
Where does the Thinspine sea catfish live?
The Thinspine sea catfish lives in brackish water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Indo-West Pacific
How big does the Thinspine sea catfish get?
The Thinspine sea catfish grows to a maximum of about 40 cm. On average the species is around 20 cm.
Is the Thinspine sea catfish dangerous to humans?
The Thinspine sea 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, clean the wound and seek medical help and a tetanus check for a deep puncture.
Is the Thinspine sea catfish edible?
Yes, the Thinspine sea 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 Plicofollis
More from the family Ariidae
Want the complete picture on the Thinspine sea catfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Thinspine sea catfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.