PlanetCatfish.com

Hi all, this query came through on a Fish-Science list I am on. I replied to say that I was pretty sure that all the SE Asian Ariids should be considered as having some potential for causing trauma beyond what might be expected from a simple puncture by a fin spine, but I thought I 'd check on here and give a more definite answer.
Pete


Dear List Members

Can anybody tell me with certainty if any of the sea catfishes
(Ariidae) are
venomous?

If yes are any of the venomous species endemic to Southeast Asia?

Best wishes
John Valbo Jørgensen

Arius thalassinus is documented to have venom glands at the base of the pectoral spine and to produce a mucus with venom-like properties.

Read Al-Hassan, JM, M Thomson, M Ali & RS Criddle, 1987. Toxic and pharmacologically active secretions from the Arabian Gulf catfish (Arius thalassinus, Ruppell). Journal of Toxicology Toxin Reviews 6: 1-43.