Gafftopsail Catfish
NameGafftopsail Catfish
Scientific NameBagre marinus
Common NamesGafftopsail Catfish, Gafftop, Sea Catfish
FamilyAriidae
OriginWestern Atlantic Ocean, Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean Sea, Coastal South America
Temperamentsemi-aggressive
Dietomnivore
Care Leveladvanced
Minimum Tank Size (Gallons)300
Max Size (Inches)28
Water TypeBrackish
Temperature Range (°F)72-82
pH Range7.5-8.5
Compatible SpeciesLarge brackish water fish, Other large sea catfish (if space allows), Larger gobies (e.g., Dragon Goby), Monos (Monodactylus species), Scats (Scatophagus argus)
Description
The Gafftopsail Catfish is a large, distinctive marine and brackish water catfish known for its elongated dorsal and pectoral fin filaments that resemble sails. It possesses prominent barbels around its mouth and has a silvery-blue body. These opportunistic feeders are found in coastal waters and estuaries.
