Hardhead Catfish
Ariopsis felis
- Class
- Ray-finned fish
- Rarity
- Common
- Observations
- 2,829
- Most observed in
- 🇺🇸 United States
- Conservation
- Least Concern
Description
The hardhead catfish (Ariopsis felis) is a species of sea catfish from the northwest Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico, and similar to the gafftopsail catfish (Bagre marinus). It is one of eight species in the genus Ariopsis. The common name, hardhead catfish, is derived from the presence of a hard, bony plate extending rearward toward the dorsal fin from a line between the catfish's eyes. It is an elongated marine catfish that reaches up to 28 in (70 cm) in length and 12 lb (5.5 kg) in weight. Their typical weight is less than 1 lb (450 g), but they commonly reach up to 3 lb (1.4 kg). They are often a dirty gray color on top, with white undersides.
Summary adapted from the Wikipedia article “Hardhead catfish”.