Most adults reach only about 30 cm (12 in) in length. The largest known stinging catfish was 35 cm (13.8 in) long. The pale underside also acquires a brownish tinge. As they age, the stripes fade and the body lightens to liver, tan, or chocolate. The belly is a pale cream or white color. There are two ivory, yellow, or white horizontal stripes on each side of the body. Young catfish have dark grey, black, or brown bodies. There is one strong, hollow, bony venomous spine on the front of the dorsal fin and each of the pectoral fins.Īdult stinging catfish have a different coloration than juveniles. The mouth is small and flat with eight fleshy protuberances or appendages called barbels on it, four paired on the upper jaw and four on the chin. Stinging catfish have a scaleless, knife-shaped body with fused dorsal, caudal, and anal fins that give them give an eel-like appearance. They have occasionally been observed in brackish and fresh water. Adults often hide under rock or coral ledges. Sandy ocean floors provide the fish with ideal hunting grounds and breeding areas. ![]() ![]() While they thrive in water that is as deep as 35 meters (115 feet) water, they also live in shallow estuaries and tide pools. Stinging catfish are the only catfish to inhabit coral reefs. Indo-Pacific between east Africa and Samoa, especially southern Japan to southern Australia. This species is not currently on exhibit at the Aquarium. CLIMATE CHANGE: Not Applicable At the Aquarium
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