ANIMAL SPECIES:Estuary Catfish, Cnidoglanis macrocephalus (Valenciennes, 1840)
The Estuary Catfish have dorsal and pectoral fins each with an embedded spine. These serrated spines are poisonous and the puncture wounds can be very painful. Skulls of this species are sometimes found washed up on beaches.
Identification
The Estuary Catfish has a large flattened head and a body that tapers to a pointed tail. The dorsal, caudal and anal fins are continuous. The dorsal and pectoral fins each have an embedded, serrated spine. These spines are poisonous.
The species has a relatively small mouth that is surrounded by four pairs of barbels. A fifth pair of barbels is present above the snout.
The Estuary Catfish is mottled brown and yellow.
Size range
The species grows to around 60 cm in length.Distribution
It occurs in temperate marine waters from southern Queensland to southern Western Australia.
Distribution by collection data
Biomaps map of Estuary Catfish specimens in the Australian Museum collection.
Habitat
The species is usually found in estuaries and silty bays.
Living with us
Danger to humans and first aid
The dorsal and pectoral fins each have an embedded spine. These serrated spines are poisonous. Puncture wounds from an Estuary Catfish spine can be very painful.
Classification
- Species:
- macrocephalus
- Genus:
- Cnidoglanis
- Family:
- Plotosidae
- Order:
- Siluriformes
- Class:
- Actinopterygii
- Subphylum:
- Vertebrata
- Phylum:
- Chordata
- Kingdom:
- Animalia
References
- Edgar, G.J. 1997. Australian Marine Life: the plants and animals of temperate waters. Reed Books. Pp. 544.
- Gomon, M.F. in Gomon, M.F., Glover, C.J.M. & R.H. Kuiter (Eds). 1994. The Fishes of Australia's South Coast. State Print, Adelaide. Pp. 992.
- Hutchins, B. & R. Swainston. 1986. Sea Fishes of Southern Australia. Complete Field Guide for Anglers and Divers. Swainston Publishing. Pp. 180.
- Kuiter, R.H. 1996. Guide to Sea Fishes of Australia. New Holland. Pp. 433.
- Kuiter, R.H. 2000. Coastal Fishes of South-eastern Australia. Gary Allen. Pp. 437.
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An Estuary Catfish at Red Rock Estuary View full size
Ian Shaw
© Ian Shaw
The dorsal fin spine of an Estuary Catfish View full size
Mark McGrouther
© Australian Museum
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