Hardhead catfish spine. com These fish are not aggressive.

Hardhead catfish spine. The Hardhead Catfish can be easily confused with the Gafftopsail Catfish, Bagre marinus (overabundant thick white slime produced; dorsal and pectoral fins with distinctive extensions; 2 pairs of flattened, ribbon-like, and long barbels on chin and upper jaw). There are also four barbels on bottom of chin, and 2 barbels at the bottom corner or tip of mouth. Apr 12, 2018 · Catfish for BaitIn foreground is gafftopsail catfish; in back, hardhead. NEW Marine Life Trivia Fishes PDF updated 4/12/19 Select a category The dorsal spine is normally erect when the fish is excited and a tennis shoe or even a leather-soled shoe offers little protection. Apr 10, 2023 · The hardhead catfish is a common and often overlooked species of saltwater catfish found along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts of the United States. It has long, venomous spines which can cause painful wounds. Fresh we don’t notice an off-taste from the bloodline, but if you’re going to freeze for later, you most certainly want to remove any red from the meat beforehand. Mar 9, 2021 · Penetrating injury from hardhead catfish (Ariopsis felis) spines can cause hidden FB, envenomation, infection, and secondary damage to nearby structures. Pain/throbbing lasted for about an hour while I soaked it in hot water. The common name, hardhead catfish, is derived from the presence of a hard, bony plate extending rearward toward the dorsal fin from a line between the catfish's eyes. Catfish are usually found in muddy rivers, lakes, and on beaches in tropical, subtropical, and temperate waters. Catfish pack a venomous punch, but only on the spines It may surprise you, but many types of catfish are venomous. He directed that we shut the wireline unit down and fish. The two main species found in Florida are the hardhead and gafftop catfish, with the former being smaller and more Aug 6, 2021 · Looking for fun and interesting facts about a hardhead catfish? Learn about these amazing fish and discover other animals from tiny insects to giant mammals! May 27, 2025 · What kind of catfish are in Mississippi? According to the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks, blue catfish, flathead catfish and channel catfish are common in the state. In either case, the pain can be intense and last for hours. The Hardhead Catfish has a coloration that ranges from dark grey to lighter grey with a white belly. Long, soft streamers extend from the dorsal and pectoral fins. Commonly caught from bridges, catwalks, and piers, particularly in passes and inland waterways. Apr 2, 2025 · Yes, catfish sting with venomous fin spines (not whiskers!). With their unique adaptations and ecological importance, Hardhead Catfish contribute “Oh, the infamous hardhead catfish – known for their stubborn attitude and sharp spine, these freshwater fish have often been dismissed as poor quality table fare. The skin of this catfish has no scales. In trying to get the hook out I dropped it on the table at the pier, so I . It is important to remove any spine fragments with tweezers and irrigate the wound with freshwater. S. The average weight is under 1 pound, but they may reach up to 3 pounds. Know the Species of Catfish If you have been stung by a catfish, it is important to note the species of catfish. All we got was a hundred-pound bag of hardhead cats, about 10 inches long. If you can’t do that, try to soothe the area with cold water, an ice pack, then use medication. I would be willing to bet that anglers from other Gulf states feel the same way since these fish are common throughout the Gulf of Mexico and its tributaries. They are May 22, 2025 · Gafftopsail catfish and sea (“hardhead”) catfish, endemic to marine waters of the U. The dorsal and pectoral fins each are supported by a sharp, slime-covered barbed spine. Dec 14, 2022 · Gafftopsail catfish are slimy and have some sharp spines but easy to catch and very good tablefare. I got finned pretty good yesterday by a hard head catfish. [6] The marine catfish The hardhead catfish has four barbels under the chin, with two more at the corners of the mouth. [9] The Aug 12, 2023 · Learn about catfish stings, including their anatomy, types, symptoms, treatment, and prevention. Image Credit: © Diane Rome Peebles. Sep 24, 2021 · Catfish are a distinctive type of fish with whiskers protruding from the area around the mouth and external spines near their fins. I caught a little catfish off a pier in Florida on vacation 2 MONTHS ago. CATFISH (HARDHEAD) Ariopsis felis English: Hardhead. In this guide to the hardhead catfish, we’ll I got barbed by a hardhead on my index down to the bone. Some species in specific parts of the world are known for having venom in their Dec 12, 2024 · Both hardhead catfish and gafftopsail catfish come equipped with three spines, one on the dorsal fin and two on the pectoral fins that can deliver a sting if you’re not careful. Penetrating injury from hardhead catfish (Ariopsis felis) spines can cause hidden FB, envenomation, infection, and secondary damage to nearby structures. Hardhead Sea Catfish produce sounds in three ways: one, by letting their bones and swim bladder make vibrations; two, by rubbing the pectoral girdle against their pectoral spines; and three, by grinding their teeth. Find out how to handle catfish properly and protect yourself from venomous species. May 27, 2022 · Many people dislike cleaning catfish mainly because of their tough skin and slimy bodies. Both hardhead and sail catfish provide white, flaky meat similar to their freshwater cousins, but their venomous spines require careful handling. Ended up fully healing in about 3 weeks. Hardhead Catfish also have three prominent, sharp spines (one at beginning of dorsal fin and one on each pectoral fin). They have six long barbels surrounding their mouth and chin to help them catch prey and sharp, serrated, mucous-covered pectoral, and dorsal spines. 5 in. The best way to treat a catfish sting is to remove the barb as soon as possible. In this article, we’ll dive into the debate of whether or not hardhead catfish Jun 27, 2023 · Catfish carry their venom in sharp, bony spines in their dorsal and pectoral fins that induce symptoms like severe pain, reduced blood flow, muscle spasms and respiratory distress. This help guide explains what to do if a fish spikes you and how to treat envenomations and puncture wounds from spine-bearing marine animals. We present the case of a 56-year-old man with catfish spine puncture wound who was taken urgently to the operating room for removal of the catfish spine and debridement of soft tissue. Reply reply petersom2006 • Feb 8, 2025 · Saltwater catfish are a common species found in the coastal waters of Florida, the Gulf of Mexico, and the Atlantic Ocean. " The key lies in Aug 27, 2024 · In this article we'll explain exactly how to hold a catfish and how to avoid their pointy fins. The dorsal and pectoral fins are equipped with a serrated erectile spine, both of which are venomous. Aug 1, 2012 · The hardhead catfish, Ariopsis felis, has six whiskers, called barbels - one long pair and two shorter pairs. Hardhead is the most common of the two saltwater species. Fortunately, there are simple steps you can take to reduce pain and swelling. They’re soft and totally harmless. Learn safe handling techniques & crucial first aid (hot water!) to avoid intense pain & infection. They are not poisonous, but they do have sharp spines that can cause injury if not handled carefully. A great number of species of marine catfish, including Plotosus lineatus (the oriental catfish) and Galeichthys felis (the common sea catfish) and several species of freshwater catfish are capable to cause human envenomation. Catfish have three spines and the smaller the catfish the sharper the spines. The male of the species fertilizes the eggs of the female, and broods them in his mouth until they hatch. Males incubate eggs in their mouth. Now with high-quality pictures! Gaftopsail catfish are nasty to handle, but fry up great. They also have venomous spines on their dorsal and pectoral fins. Saltwater catfish can be found in shallow water during summer, as well as in deeper waters in winter on the Gulf Coast and Gulf of Mexico. It is an elongate marine catfish that reaches 19. I also remember the catfish puncture i had when i was 8 years old. Back and upper sides are gray to almost black, with white or silvery undersides. The male Hardhead Sea Catfish practice mouthbrooding where they collect the eggs and keep them in their mouths until they hatch. Both salt- and fresh-water catfish are dangerous. May 1, 2024 · You would be hard pressed to come up with a fish species more reviled by recreational anglers on the Texas coast than the hardhead catfish. Spanish: barbo The common name, hardhead catfish, is derived from the presence of a hard, bony plate extending rearward toward the dorsal fin from a line between the catfish's eyes. Dec 31, 2019 · The signs and symptoms of a catfish sting make it hard to ignore. They are known for their ability to steal bait, making them a nuisance for anglers, but also for their delicious taste, similar to that of freshwater catfish. However, the sail catfish will sometimes invade brackish bays and estuaries. Over-the-counter pain Sep 12, 2023 · You need a quick one on how to treat a catfish sting at home, did you or a close one get stung or poked by the barb of a catfish? Aug 26, 2025 · Yes, you can eat saltwater catfish, but proper safety precautions are essential. Aug 11, 2020 · This guide shows you how to use a catfish flipper to unhook gafftop and hardhead catfish without touching them or sliming up your boat. They have three sharp, serrated spines on their dorsal and pectoral fins that are coated with a venomous slime and can inflict a painful puncture wound. Is hardhead catfish good to eat? How poisonous are hardhead catfish? NEW Marine Life Trivia Fishes PDF updated 4/12/19 Select a category Mar 14, 2025 · Understanding Hardhead Catfish Hardhead catfish, also known as *ticto*, are a species of catfish found in freshwater environments. Feb 11, 2024 · The sting of a catfish, which has 3 spines and a stinging apparatus, will cause severe pain and inflammation at the site of the sting. Dec 31, 2019 · Many catfish have the same characteristics that make them easily identifiable. [4] See full list on castandspear. The hardhead catfish is a saltwater fish. The head is slightly flattened and conceals a hard plate between the eyes and dorsal fin. Appearance Bluish-green back, fading to a silver-white belly Three prominent, sharp spines (one at beginning of dorsal fin and one on each pectoral fin) The three prominent spines have elongated, fleshy filaments Two barbels on chin Barbels at corner of mouth are flattened and very elongated Similar Species: Hardhead catfish, A. Soon we had five fish longer than me bleeding out on deck. Hand surgery was consulted and took the patient to the operating room for exploration and removal of two serrated radiopaque hardhead catfish spines that were deeply embedded in the left thumb. Sep 5, 2018 · Saltwater catfish are notorious for their venomous sting. Dec 10, 2021 · How to hold a catfish without getting hurt, do catfish sting and what to do if you get finned by a catfish to stop the pain (a doctor's not going to tell you this). The chin has 2 barbels and there is a very long barbel on each side of its mouth. One pair of barbels on Hand surgery was consulted and took the patient to the operating room for exploration and removal of two serrated radiopaque catfish spines that were deeply embedded in the left thumb. He presented to the emergency department with diffuse hand swelling after smashing his hand on a catfish 1 day prior. Most aquatic life injuries occur with catfish, needlefish, scorpionfish, stonefish, sea urchins, and stingrays. Apr 1, 2018 · Learn in-depth information on Catfish Sting, its causes, symptoms, diagnosis, complications, treatment, prevention, and prognosis. These barbels help the catfish find crabs, fish and shrimp in the muddy bays where they live. When a spine jabs a potential predator, the membrane surrounding the venom gland cells is torn, releasing venom into the wound. The dorsal and pectoral fins each are supported by a sharp, slime-covered, barbed spine. [citation needed] The hardhead catfish has four barbels under the chin, with two more at the corners of the mouth. Master catfish handling like a pro! Apr 30, 2013 · Catfish have been farmed as food for the past several hundred years throughout the world, in Africa, Asia, Europe, and North America. Home > Biological Info > Sea Catfish< Back to Main Jun 14, 2023 · Critters All Hail Hardhead Catfish Dads, Which Protect Eggs by Carrying Them in Their Mouths Anglers love to hate this slimy Texas fish, but its parental skills are unmatched. Recreational Regulations. Understanding Hardhead Catfish: An Introduction Jul 8, 2025 · Today we will be talking about how to treat a saltwater catfish sting. Jan 1, 1970 · Enjoy this expertly researched article on the Hardhead Catfish, including where Hardhead Catfish s live, what they eat & much more. Their name comes from the hard plate between their eyes. Each has three spines and a stinging apparatus. [9] The Nov 6, 2022 · Many people dislike cleaning catfish mainly because of their tough skin and slimy bodies. [8] These barbels help the catfish find crabs, fish, and shrimp in the muddy or sandy bays where they live. I've really only fished for lake trout, walleye & then big ocean fishing & had no idea catfish could inflict so much damage. This video explains how to hold a catfish so you don't get stung by the catfish spines. com These fish are not aggressive. The saltwater catfish, also known as the hardhead catfish or gafftopsail catfish, has venomous spines that can cause significant discomfort when they penetrate the skin. It is one of four species in the genus "Ariopsis". Antibiotics may be necessary to prevent or treat infections, and a tetanus shot is often recommended. Gafftopsail Catfish Bagre marinus Sailcat Life History Description and Diagnostic Characteristics: The head is bigger and the mouth is larger but the coloration is similar to that of the Hardhead Catfish. Why are these fish so despised? For starters, they have sharp bony spines that can lock in place Oct 8, 2025 · How to Identify a Hardhead Catfish: Distinguishing Features and Expert Tips Knowing how to tell if a catfish is a hardhead is crucial for anglers, as this species has venomous spines; this guide provides definitive identification methods. Watch Out For The Spines! One thing to look out for when handling catfish of any type is their spines! Hardheads have three prominent, sharp spines (one at beginning of dorsal fin and one on each pectoral fin). Spines stuck out of every part of the bag, which we dragged into the boat, getting stuck in the legs in several places. Oct 11, 2011 · I have not been stuck by a gafftop, but the few times a little hardhead has wreaked havoc on my flesh i still remember the pain. Jan 21, 2025 · Learn how to safely handle catfish, avoid spine injuries, and provide first aid for punctures. Venom is delivered through a single dorsal spine and two pectoral spines. The first was located along the flexor tendon, and a second spine was located buried within the adductor pollicis muscle. Conclusion. For about 2 weeks it was pretty tender and I thought a barb might have broken off. It feeds on crustaceans and other fish. Known for their hardy nature, these fish are a beloved sight among fishermen and coastal communities alike. Aug 29, 2023 · Can You Eat Saltwater Catfish? Sometimes catfish are labeled as trash fish, and while this may be true for some species, let’s take a look at the broader aspect of these types of fish and whether they can be eaten or not. State Record: 4lb, 8oz. I have never sought medical attention for being finned, but if I the wound were red and swelling after 24hrs, I probably would. They are probably one of the most common larger fish in the estuary. Believe me The dorsal spine is normally erect when the fish is excited and a tennis shoe or even a leather-soled shoe offers little protection. They have a brownish to gray-green body, with a white to yellowish belly and can grow up to 24 inches (12 pounds). Learn here how to catch, clean and cook gafftop catfish. There is often pain and swelling in the area. The pain can come from a sharp prick from the fish’s barbs or fins, or if the barb gets stuck in your skin. The spines are covered in slime, serrated and designed to readily penetrate, but microscopic The gafftopsail catfish looks similar to the hardhead catfish, but its dorsal and pectoral spines have a distinctive fleshy extension (like the fore-and-aft topsail of a ship). The hardhead catfish is a species of sea catfish from the northwest Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico, and similar to the gafftopsail catfish. felis (has four chin barbels and spines lack filaments) Size: Up Feb 8, 2025 · Catfish stings can cause severe pain and inflammation The immediate treatment for a catfish sting includes soaking the affected area in hot water to relieve pain. Despite their tough exterior, hardhead catfish can actually make for a delicious and nutritious meal. Southeast, can be a nuisance. Gafftop and hardhead fishing is easy. Nov 8, 2018 · Want to know how get a catfish off your line without getting spined? In this tip, we show you how to safely hold and unhook catfish without using pliers. A person will feel the spine puncture the skin, and the area will be tender to the touch. (49. The common name, hardhead catfish, is derived from the presence of a hard, bony plate extending rearward toward the dorsal fin from a line between the catfish's eyes. Jul 14, 2023 · Saltwater anglers on Alabama’s beautiful Gulf Coast will have encounters with two species of catfish – the infamous hardhead catfish and the beautiful gafftopsail catfish. The hardhead catfish has four barbels under the chin, with two more at the corners of the mouth. One of the most commonly farmed catfish in the United States of America is channel catfish, Ictalurus punctatus, one of more than 1000 catfish species. It sports three spines, one on the dorsal fin and one each on the pectoral fins. Aug 30, 2025 · Prey Algae, sea grasses, sea cucumbers, shrimp, crabs, gastropods, and fish Group Behavior School Fun Fact The hardhead catfish has a sharp spine near its fin to inject venom Biggest Threat Habitat changes Most Distinctive Feature The six long whiskers near the mouth Other Name (s) Saltwater catfish, sea catfish, and tourist trout Gestation Period 30 days Hardhead Catfish Ariopsis felis Seacat Life History Description and Diagnostic Characteristics: Barbels adorn the underside and corners of the mouth. Virtually all catfish, including Ictaluridae, possess spines on their dorsal and pectoral fins, which serve as Ok, not permanent, but holysh*t I can't believe I still have swelling & pain from getting stuck by a stupid 8" catfish. Hardhead catfish have six rounded barbels that stick out from their chins like whiskers. It hurt for a couple of hours. Sep 15, 2017 · The hardhead’s range runs from Cape Cod, Massachusetts to the Mexican Yucatan. The single spines leading the dorsal and the two pectoral fins are long, sharp and covered in a sheath of venom-laden tissue. First spines of dorsal and pectoral fins are stiff and sharp and coated with venomous slime that can make a puncture excruciatingly painful Mar 9, 2021 · Conclusion. The dorsal spine is normally erect when the fish is excited and a tennis shoe or even a leather-soled shoe offers Penetrating injury from hardhead saltwater catsh dorsal fi spines can cause hidden foreign body, infection, and second-ary damage to nearby structures. Tail is deeply forked. The gafftopsail catfish looks similar to the hardhead catfish, but its dorsal and pectoral spines have a distinctive fleshy extension (like the fore-and-aft topsail of a ship). You can get an infection from a fish spine if a creature spikes you with a fish fin puncture wound. Cleaning can be dangerous, too, because of the sharp barbed wires and dangerous spines on both saltwater catfish species, namely the hardhead catfish and gafftop catfish. 5 cm) in length. Three large spines, one on the end of each front pectoral and the other on the dorsal fin, are dangerous and catfish should be handled with extreme care. Imaging should be done for these patients to ensure they obtain timely and complete extraction of the venomous structures. Sep 29, 2024 · The hardhead catfish has four barbels under the chin, with two more at the corners of the mouth. Catfish spines are the primary cause for concern among anglers. Thankfully that wasn't the case. Understanding the nature of the sting, its symptoms, and the proper treatment methods is crucial for anyone who enjoys fishing or swimming in waters where Hardhead Catfish also have three prominent, sharp spines (one at beginning of dorsal fin and one on each pectoral fin). Quickly differentiate a hardhead from other catfish by examining its fin spines, body color, and habitat. The dorsal spine is normally erect when the fish is excited and a tennis shoe or even a leather-soled shoe offers little protection. The spines do not have fleshy filaments. Whole or dressed, they'll catch big fish. Oct 21, 2021 · The marine species are the hardhead catfish (Arius felis), sometimes known as the “steelhead” or the “sea catfish” – and the gafftop (Bagre marinus), also known as the gafftopsail catfish 3. These spines stand erect when the fish feels threatened to help protect it from would-be predators [1]. People stung by catfish are usually fishing or bathing when they make contact with a catfish, usually by stepping on it or handling the fish after it has been caught. Mar 30, 2022 · A catfish sting is a painful experience. I had a good friend this past weekedn get stabbed in the leg by a 5 lb gafftop and he said the pain Dec 10, 2009 · Catfish venom glands are found alongside sharp, bony spines on the edges of the dorsal and pectoral fins, and these spines can be locked into place when the catfish is threatened. Mar 9, 2021 · Hand surgery was consulted and took the patient to the operating room for exploration and removal of two serrated radiopaque hardhead catfish spines that were deeply embedded in the left thumb. May 1, 2012 · He even had bait — frozen hardhead catfish with the spines clipped off. Hardheads have six barbels (whiskers), four under their chin and two round barbels at the corner of their mouth. However, don’t let their name deceive you. The Penetrating injury from hardhead catfish (Ariopsis felis) spines can cause hidden FB, envenomation, infection, and secondary damage to nearby structures. They have four barbels protruding from their lower jaw and the corners of the mouth. Jul 9, 2021 · Do catfish sting with their spines? In fact some catfish species do actually contain venom, whereas others just inflict a simple but still painful wound. Cleaning a saltwater catfish and freshwater catfish is basically the same. The gafftopsail catfish (Bagre marinus) is a species of marine catfish found in the waters of the western central Atlantic Ocean, as well as the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea. These marine catfish offer surprisingly good table fare when cleaned and prepared correctly, though many anglers overlook them as "trash fish. The Mar 9, 2021 · Conclusion. Despite its unremarkable name and appearance, this small to medium-sized saltwater catfish plays an important role in the marine ecosystem and is a popular target for commercial and recreational fishing. Overview The Hardhead Catfish (Ariopsis felis), a fascinating species of catfish, can be found along the coastal waters and brackish habitats of the southeastern United States and the Gulf of Mexico. Some, such as hardhead and gaff top catfish, tend to sting, as opposed to other species of fish. The long whiskers near the mouth of a catfish are just sensory organs. Jul 30, 2012 · Our funniest hardhead trip, we pulled a 20-foot sport shrimpnet for live bait at the jetties. Saltwater catfish are slimy, wiggly, and possibly injurious to the uninitiated The gafftopsail also differs from the hardhead in its feeding habits; the gafftopsail feed throughout the water column on crabs, shrimp and crustaceans where the hardhead feeds off the bottom. Clinically, a catfish sting is comparable to that of a stingray. eha cgf7p hfg ve ajypoha 3te4ob 6zi33 z2oowc u0gu 263j

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