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Venomous Catfish

The sharp, skin-puncturing spines of talking catfish, as well as other species, are well documented, but aquarists may have to contend with venom, too.

By David Sands, Ph.D.

When we think of venomous creatures we usually conjure up images of deadly snakes, venomous spiders and maybe poison dart frogs. Fishkeepers, especially those with an interest in marine fish, may also think of lionfish or scorpionfish or even stonefish.

However, there is a range of freshwater, temperate and tropical species of fish that also have the ability to sting or envenomate prey or predators. One group, the catfish, boasts many species that have the ability to be venomous and some are much closer to our home community aquaria than we might think.

Want to read the full story? Pick up the June 2008 issue of Freshwater And Marine Aquarium today, or subscribe to get 12 months of articles just like this.


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