Florida Saltwater Catfish Species

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.

Florida saltwater catfish species. Both species have poisonous barbed spines in their dorsal top and pectoral side fins. Also known as the pennant fish and threadfin trevally. Medard reservoir was drawn down during the fall of 2009 by the southwest florida water management district to make necessary repairs on the dam and structure. It is venomous and can lead to a serious infection.

Salt water notes african jewelfish. There are many species of fish that make up the saltwater catfish category but the two most common are the gafftop catfish aka sail catfish and the hardhead catfish. The florida saltwater fish life list consists of 70 species of saltwater fish. Before you head out on the water make sure to take the proper safety precautions to minimize the risk of getting stung.

To participate an angler must abide by the general fwc saltwater angler recognition program rules see general angling rules. The sting of a catfish whether a florida saltwater catfish or one of many other species is something you do not want to ignore. This section of space coast florida displays some of the great diversity of saltwater fish that florida has to offer the local angler. There are also links provided for each fish species which will provide additional helpful information.

The many ledges and bars flats within the main body of the reservoir provide areas for boat anglers to focus efforts for channel catfish. Both are in fact edible and both are largely despised by fisherman for stealing bait and getting slime all over everything including your fishing reels. All life list catches are eligible as long as they can be documented and have been caught in accordance with fwc rules. 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 four species in the genus ariopsis.

Neither species of saltwater catfish are bottom feeders. Pursuant to section 120 74 florida statutes the fish and wildlife conservation commission has published its 2019 agency regulatory plan 2019 agency regulatory plan. The sting from this fish is a problem for anglers who catch either the common florida saltwater catfish or the sea catfish sometimes called the hardhead or the gafftopsail catfish.