The Cooke's sea catfish (Notarius cookei) is a brackish-water fish of the family Ariidae that grows up to 43 cm.
Description
Cooke's sea catfish is a sea catfish (Ariidae) from turbid coastal and estuarine water of the eastern Pacific around Central America. The species grows to about 30 cm and has a sturdy, greyish, scaleless body with a bony nape plate, three pairs of barbels and an adipose fin. As a bottom-dweller it searches over sand and mud for worms, crustaceans 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 Cooke's sea catfish?
The Cooke's sea catfish has an elongate, eel-like body and is mainly silver-grey.
Where does the Cooke's sea catfish live?
The Cooke's sea catfish lives in brackish water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom.
How big does the Cooke's sea catfish get?
The Cooke's sea catfish grows to a maximum of about 43 cm.
Is the Cooke's sea catfish dangerous to humans?
The Cooke's sea catfish is venomous — handle spines with care and seek medical help after a sting if needed.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Notarius
More from the family Ariidae
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