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Sagor sea catfish (Hexanematichthys sagor) — Ariidae

Sagor sea catfish

Hexanematichthys sagor
Family: Ariidae

The Sagor sea catfish (Hexanematichthys sagor) is a brackish-water fish of the family Ariidae that grows up to 45 cm.

Length
45 cm
Water
Brackish
Diet
Carnivore
Activity
Nocturnal
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Venomous / poisonous
Edibility
Commonly eaten

Description

The sagor sea catfish is a sea catfish (Ariidae) from coastal and estuarine water of the Indo-West Pacific. The species grows to about 45 cm and has a streamlined, greyish body with a broad head and three pairs of barbels. The pectoral and dorsal fins each carry a stout, serrated spine linked to venom. As a bottom-oriented omnivore it searches sand and mud bottoms of river mouths for invertebrates, small fish and plant material; the male broods the eggs in its mouth. A sting is very painful; handle with care.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Sagor sea catfish?

The Sagor sea catfish has an elongate, eel-like body and is mainly silver-grey.

Where does the Sagor sea catfish live?

The Sagor sea catfish lives in brackish water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom.

How big does the Sagor sea catfish get?

The Sagor sea catfish grows to a maximum of about 45 cm. On average the species is around 30 cm.

Is the Sagor sea catfish dangerous to humans?

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

Is the Sagor sea catfish edible?

Yes, the Sagor sea catfish is commonly eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Sagor-zeemeerval sourced
English name
Sagor sea catfish sourced
Scientific name
Hexanematichthys sagor
Family
Ariidae
Other names
Dusky catfish; Marine catfish; Sagor; Sagor catfish verified

Appearance

Size class
Large verified
Max length (cm)
45.0 verified
Average length (cm)
30.0 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey sourced
Tail shape
Forked inferred
Barbels
Yes sourced
Dorsal spines
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Brackish sourced
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

Edibility
Commonly eaten inferred
Fishing method
Bodemvissen met natuurlijk aas (worm, garnaal of vis) op of vlak boven de bodem. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Venomous / poisonous verified

Status & sources

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

More from the family Ariidae

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