Latin Name: Bagre marinus
Species: Fish
Conservation Status: S1 - Critically Imperiled
Known for their distinct sail-like dorsal and pectoral fins as well as their silvery blue body this species is unlike any other. They also have the typical whisker-like barbels that most catfish have. Their skin is smooth, slimy and lacks scales however, both the dorsal and pectoral fins have sharp, venomous spines for defense. On average they reach 2 feet in length and can weigh up to 8 pounds.
Range & Habitat
In the United States they can be found in the southern states from South Carolina to Louisiana. They often can also be found in the Caribbean Sea and northern areas of South America. This species loves warm shallow environments, typically areas like bays, estuaries, and river mouths. They gravitate towards sandy or muddy bottom substrates as adults and as juveniles they end up in areas that have lots of protection and food. They are bottom dwellers just like most catfish but they prefer waters less than 100 feet deep.
Diet
As a whole this species is opportunistic and eats a wide variety of prey. Since they live along the sea floor they eat what is associated with the areas they live. Which include small fish, shrimp, crabs, and other crustaceans. They occasionally also act as scavengers feeding on dead or decaying organisms.
Life History
Spawning occurs in warm waters typically in estuaries during late spring and early summer months. This species provides parental care to their offspring. After the females lay their eggs the male carries the large eggs in his mouth until they hatch. For several weeks after they have hatched the male keeps the fry in his mouth to keep them safe. Juveniles stay in estuaries and bays for protection and lots of food however, as they grow they move into deeper waters. They grow rather quickly and reach sexual maturity at 2 years old and overall can live until about 8 years old.
Significance
This species in particular plays a huge part in their ecosystems since they are both predators and scavengers. They aid in balancing ecosystems, controlling populations, and also helping clean dead organisms replenishing nutrients back into the environment. They have very little economical and recreational value since they have venomous spines some see them as more of a hassle to deal with.
Threats & How You Can Help
Since they are not heavily fished they are not at risk of overfishing. However, they are threatened by climate change, habitat loss, and pollution. Like almost all species that live in the ocean, climate change is causing environments that are unsuitable for certain species. In order to help them reduce your personal waste when it comes to plastics, carbon foot print everything that negatively affects the climate. It’s also beneficial to educate yourself and others of what’s causing negative things in the ocean. Knowledge is power, and we need that to protect species for years to come.
Additional Resources
https://tpwd.texas.gov/fishing/sea-center-texas/flora-fauna-guide/bays-and-estuaries/bay-animals/gafftopsail-catfish
https://www.fws.gov/species/gafftopsail-catfish-bagre-marinus
https://explorer.natureserve.org/Taxon/ELEMENT_GLOBAL.2.102698/Bagre_marinus