How to Identify Manila Catfish

To identify Manila Catfish (Arius manillensis), look at these key features.

Physical Characteristics

Body shape

elongated

Coloration

Dorsal surface typically dark grey to brownish-grey, fading to a lighter, silvery-white on the ventral side. Fins are often dusky.

Scale type

none

Mouth position

terminal

Distinctive features

Robust, somewhat compressed body, Large, broad head with a bony shield on top, Three pairs of barbels: one maxillary pair (extending beyond the pectoral fin base) and two mandibular pairs (shorter), Adipose fin present, small and fleshy, Strong, serrated spines on dorsal and pectoral fins

Dorsal fin

One short-based dorsal fin with a strong, serrated spine and 7 soft rays, followed by a small adipose fin.

Tail fin

Deeply forked caudal fin with pointed lobes.

Pectoral fin

Large, fan-like pectoral fins, each with a strong, serrated spine and 10-11 soft rays.

Distinctive fins

The presence of a small adipose fin and the deeply forked caudal fin are key features. The dorsal and pectoral spines are venomous.

Identification Tips

1. 1

   Barbels

   Observe the three pairs of barbels; the maxillary barbels are notably long, extending past the pectoral fin base.

2. 2

   Dorsal and Pectoral Spines

   Note the presence of strong, serrated spines on the dorsal and pectoral fins. These are venomous.

3. 3

   Adipose Fin

   Look for a small, fleshy adipose fin located between the dorsal and caudal fins.

4. 4

   Caudal Fin

   The tail fin is deeply forked, a characteristic feature of many Ariidae species.

5. 5

   Head Shape

   The head is broad and somewhat flattened dorsally, with a distinct bony shield.

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