Gafftopsail Catfish
Gafftop
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Scientific Name:
Bagre marinus Saltwater
Inshore
Native
Fish
- Seasons and Regulations
- Licenses/Permits
Description
Tall, elongated, sail-like dorsal fin. Dorsal and pectoral fins have serrated spines that are coated with a venomous slime that can inflict a painful puncture wound. Brown to olive green back that fades to a silvery side then to a yellow to white belly. Two chin barbels and two long, flat, ribbon-like barbels at the corners of the mouth. Can grow up to 10 pounds.
Range and Habitat
Common in coastal and brackish waters of the South Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico to Panama. Often found along the bottom near stucture like jetties, piers, and pilings.
Behavior
Versatile in their feeding habits, taking live prey as well as scavenging by smell. They spawn in the spring. Males are mouthbrooders and carry the eggs in their mouths until they hatch.