Fin's Fish Guide
Scorpion cat-fish
The Scorpion cat-fish (Heteropneustes fossilis) is a brackish-water fish of the family Heteropneustidae that grows up to 41 cm.
Description
The stinging catfish is a catfish of the family Heteropneustidae from South Asia. The species grows to about 30 cm commonly, up to over 40 cm and has an elongate, scaleless, laterally compressed body with barbels and long, air-sac breathing organs extending from the gills along the body, with which it can breathe air. It inhabits mainly ponds, ditches, swamps and sometimes muddy rivers, and is farmed in rice fields. It is an omnivore. Notorious is the pectoral fin spine, which contains a potent venom and can cause an extremely painful, sometimes dangerous wound; treat a puncture wound with hot water and seek medical help.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Scorpion cat-fish?
The Scorpion cat-fish has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a plain pattern. Air-breathing catfish with air-sac organs; pectoral fin spine with potent, extremely painful venom.
Where does the Scorpion cat-fish live?
The Scorpion cat-fish lives in brackish water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. South Asia; ponds, ditches, swamps and muddy rivers.
How big does the Scorpion cat-fish get?
The Scorpion cat-fish grows to a maximum of about 41 cm.
Is the Scorpion cat-fish dangerous to humans?
The Scorpion cat-fish can cause injury; handle it with care. 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 Scorpion cat-fish edible?
Yes, the Scorpion cat-fish is commonly eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Want the complete picture on the Scorpion cat-fish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Scorpion cat-fish is one of 12,519 species in the app.