Do Saltwater Catfish Sting Other Fish?

While many species of catfish possess spines, only a handful, including the saltwater catfish (Plotosus lineatus) possess venom. These catfish, also called the coral catfish or eel catfish, have several barbs tipped with a potent venom. They generally use this venom defensively, protecting them from larger fish. In the aquarium, you generally have to worry more about these fish stinging you than them attacking other fish.

  1. The Spines

    • The fins, not the "whiskers" of the saltwater catfish, carry a sting. The first rays of the dorsal (back) and pectoral (side) fins carry the venom. The venom is comparable to the venom of the scorpionfish. In humans, the venom causes extreme pain. In some rare cases, the venom may even cause death in more susceptible individuals.

    Saltwater Catfish and Other Fish

    • Saltwater catfish mostly use their spines defensively. While predatory, they do not use their spines for this purpose. For example, saltwater catfish do not use their venom to kill prey like snakes do. Instead, saltwater catfish use their venom primarily to deter predators. The venomous spines can sting larger fish trying to eat the catfish, making it harder to catch and eat them. Additionally, while only a few of the saltwater catfish's spines posses venom, other are ridged and sharp, making it dangerous to try to eat or handle them.

    In the Aquarium

    • In the aquarium, saltwater catfish require accommodations for their size and predation more than their venom. These catfish grow to about a foot long. On top of this, saltwater catfish school in the wild, and they need to live in groups of at least five in captivity. Between their large size and need to school, you need an aquarium of at least 100 gallons' capacity. Few aquarium fish grow large enough to consider eating saltwater catfish. However, saltwater catfish will enthusiastically eat smaller fish and crustaceans. They rarely will bother coral intentionally, but may damage it while hunting for smaller fish.

    First Aid

    • If you keep these catfish, you must take their venom seriously. A sting from a coral catfish can cause serious pain and requires medical attention. Since these fish like to hide, it's easy to get stung accidentally. If one of your catfish stings you, clean out the wound carefully. Remove any bits of the spine with tweezers, and scrub the wound with soap. Rinse away the soap thoroughly with fresh or salt water. After the wound is clean, soak the injury in the hottest water you can stand for about half an hour, but do not scald yourself. Heat breaks down the proteins of the venom, inactivating it. After this, see a physician as soon as possible. Doctors may prescribe a tetanus shot, antibiotics or other drugs. Some patients experience serious allergic reactions, making the venom even more dangerous.