Catfish, Hardhead
Food Quality:
Avg. Length
12-18in
Avg. Weight
1-3lbs
World Record
3lbs 5oz
FL Record
3lbs 5oz
View Regulations
Scientific Name
Arius felis
Common Names
Marine catfish, Sea Catfish, Seacat, Bagre
Description
The Hardhead Catfish has a coloration that ranges from dark grey to lighter grey with a white belly. They have four barbels protruding from their lower jaw and the corners of the mouth. Their name comes from the hard plate between their eyes. They also have venomous spines on their dorsal and pectoral fins.
Habitat & Behaviour
Hardhead Catfish can be found in coastal areas around manmade structures such as piers and bridges. They also are known to penetrate up brackish rivers where sandy or muddy bottoms can be found, venturing as far as freshwater. As the winter months arrive they move into deeper waters.
Natural Prey
Hardhead Catfish subsist on a diet of invertebrates and other small fish.
Handling Tips
Beware of spines on dorsal and pectoral fins; they are coated with a bacterial slime that can make them hard to handle. Grab by the mouth or use fish grippers and be careful. ***tip – if you get grazed/stings and you are harvesting the fish, take a fillet knife and scrape the slime off the side and the bottom and run it down into the wound, it will neutralize the sting. It must be the same fish that you use to scrape the slime off. Slime dries out and seals the wound, will stop it from bleeding until you can get home and treat it properly. Hot soapy water is also good for stings – immerse the sting in the hot soapy water.
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