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Ganges sea catfish (Cephalocassis jatia) — Ariidae

Ganges sea catfish

Cephalocassis jatia
Family: Ariidae

The Ganges sea catfish (Cephalocassis jatia) is a fish of the family Ariidae that grows up to 35 cm.

Length
35 cm
Diet
Carnivore
Activity
Nocturnal
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Venomous / poisonous

Description

The Ganges sea catfish is a sea catfish (Ariidae) from turbid coastal and estuarine water of the Ganges system in South Asia. The species grows to about 35 cm and has a sturdy, greyish, scaleless body with three pairs of barbels and an adipose fin. As a bottom-dweller it searches over sand and mud for worms, crustaceans, molluscs 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 Ganges sea catfish?

The Ganges sea catfish is mainly silver-grey.

Where does the Ganges sea catfish live?

The Ganges sea catfish is mostly found around sand or mud bottom.

How big does the Ganges sea catfish get?

The Ganges sea catfish grows to a maximum of about 35 cm.

Is the Ganges sea catfish dangerous to humans?

The Ganges sea catfish is venomous — handle spines with care and seek medical help after a sting if needed.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Jatia-zeemeerval sourced
English name
Ganges sea catfish sourced
Scientific name
Cephalocassis jatia
Family
Ariidae

Appearance

Max length (cm)
35 inferred
Dominant colour
Silver / grey sourced
Tail shape
Forked inferred
Barbels
Yes sourced
Dorsal spines
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Activity
Nocturnal inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred

For anglers

Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Venomous / poisonous verified

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Cephalocassis

More from the family Ariidae

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