Gafftopsail Catfish
Bagre marinus
The Gafftopsail Catfish is a silvery coastal catfish recognized by long ribbon-like fin filaments, chin barbels, and sharp venomous spines.
Gafftopsail Catfish live in bays, passes, beaches, and coastal water throughout Florida. They forage over sand, mud, and seagrass for shrimp, crabs, and fish.
Males carry a small clutch of large fertilized eggs in the mouth until the young hatch. During this period the male eats little while protecting the developing brood.
Habitat:
Estuaries and Bays, Coastal Waters, Mangroves and Salt Marshes
Area / Range:
Gulf Coast, Atlantic Coast, South Florida, Florida Keys
Diet:
It eats shrimp, crabs, worms, small fish, and other bottom-dwelling animals.
Behavior:
Gafftopsails travel alone or in loose groups, forage near the bottom, and sometimes move into very shallow water. Males mouth-brood eggs and young.
Day, Night
Active Times:
Best time to see:
Warm months in bays, passes, surf, and around bridges or piers.
Florida Native Status:
Native
Conservation Status:
Common and not listed as threatened. Water quality and healthy estuaries support local populations.
Safety Level:
Moderate Risk
Safety Information:
The dorsal and pectoral spines can puncture deeply and deliver painful venom. Use a fish gripper or dehooker and keep hands clear of all three spines.
Benefits to Property:
It recycles nutrients and controls shrimp, crab, worm, and small-fish populations in coastal habitats.
Property Concerns:
It causes no property damage. Discarded carcasses and fishing line create odor and wildlife hazards around docks and seawalls.
Fun Fact:
The male carries eggs in his mouth. Each egg is unusually large for a fish and receives constant protection until hatching.
Wildlife Laws:
Florida saltwater fishing license and current harvest and gear rules apply. Dispose of fishing line responsibly and release fish quickly when not retained.
Identification:
The body is silvery blue to gray with a deeply forked tail. Long flattened filaments extend from the dorsal and pectoral spines. Two pairs of barbels occur under the chin.
Credits:
Facts: Florida Museum. Images: primary and secondary.