Shieldhead Catfish
NameShieldhead Catfish
Scientific NameAriopsis felis
Common NamesHardhead Catfish, Sea Catfish, Shieldhead Catfish
FamilyAriidae
OriginWestern Atlantic Ocean, Gulf of Mexico, Coastal waters from Cape Cod to Florida and Texas
Temperamentaggressive
Dietcarnivore
Care Leveladvanced
Minimum Tank Size (Gallons)180
Max Size (Inches)24
Water TypeBrackish/Saltwater
Temperature Range (°F)68-82
pH Range7.5-8.5
Description
The Shieldhead Catfish, often identified as the Hardhead Catfish, is a large, predatory species native to coastal marine and brackish waters of the Western Atlantic. It features a silvery body, prominent fins, and a distinctive bony plate on its head. These opportunistic carnivores are not typically kept in home aquariums due to their significant size and specialized care requirements.
