The Barbel-eel catfish (Plotosus canius) is a fish that lives in both fresh and salt water of the family Plotosidae that grows up to 111 cm.
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Description
The gray eeltail catfish is an eeltail catfish (Plotosidae) from the Indo-West Pacific. The species has an elongate, scaleless, greyish body with barbels and an eel-like, continuous rear-body fin; it can grow fairly large. Adults live mainly in estuaries and lagoons and sometimes ascend the lower reaches of rivers to almost fresh water. As a bottom predator it feeds on crustaceans, molluscs, worms and small fishes. The pectoral and dorsal fin spines are strongly venomous and give an extremely painful wound; treat a sting with hot water and seek medical help.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Barbel-eel catfish?
The Barbel-eel catfish has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Eel-shaped catfish with highly venomous pectoral and dorsal fin spines; estuarine and partly freshwater-tolerant.
Where does the Barbel-eel catfish live?
The Barbel-eel catfish lives in both fresh and salt water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Indo-West Pacific; estuaries, lagoons and lower reaches of rivers.
How big does the Barbel-eel catfish get?
The Barbel-eel catfish grows to a maximum of about 111 cm. On average the species is around 80 cm.
Is the Barbel-eel catfish dangerous to humans?
The Barbel-eel catfish is venomous — handle spines with care and seek medical help after a sting if needed. The fin spines are venomous and give a painful, burning puncture wound. Immerse the wound for 30-90 minutes in water as hot as can be tolerated (about 45 C) and seek medical care if pain or infection persists.
Is the Barbel-eel catfish edible?
Yes, the Barbel-eel 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 Plotosus
More from the family Plotosidae
Want the complete picture on the Barbel-eel catfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Barbel-eel catfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.
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