What is a Gafftopsail Catfish?
The Gafftopsail catfish remains a fish of interest. It is a blue-grey or dark brown in color and can be found in various parts of the world. Because this fish is considered a sea fish, fishermen can trust that it will not be a bother if they are fishing in small lakes and rivers. This catfish is a smaller version, only growing to approximately seventeen inches long and about one or two pounds in weight.
In Nature
In nature, the Gafftopsail catfish is plentiful, particularly in the western Atlantic Ocean, the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico. It is known to be found all along the eastern coast of the United States and can be found in the northern parts of the country, such as New York.
Fishing
Some people do fish for the Gafftopsail catfish because it can be delicious when properly prepared. They will eat almost anything that is dangled in front of them, from hard lures to soft lures. Fresh or dead shrimp and other live bait will also suffice.
Most fishermen consider these fish to be more of a nuisance than anything. They are known for stealing the bait. When they are caught, it can be quite difficult to remove them from the line without getting stung or poisoned. Both the pectoral fin and dorsal fins are poisonous, making this an extreme challenge. A sting from these fish can cause an extreme amount of pain.
Once the fish is removed from the line, it leaves behind a slimy trail that has to be cleaned off before a fisherman can resume fishing. This slime is toxic and can cause a significant amount of harm to handlers. Those that become poisoned by these catfish will require immediate medical treatment.
Often, these fish are mistaken for the Hardhead catfish. They have a similar appearance, and can be found swimming in the same schools, hence the consistent mistake. One way to tell the difference between these two is by the top fin. Gafftopsail catfish have a larger, more distinguished top fin.
Diet
Younger Gafftopsail catfish are known to eat a diet of primarily vegetable matter, but they will eat fish as a second option. Adult fish prefer a diet primarily made of fish. They will even eat bony fish if nothing else is available. Fishermen can up their chances of catching these fish by using worms and crustaceans, such as crabs.
In Captivity
These fish are not typically found in captivity. They are poisonous and do not have an extremely appealing appearance that makes them desirable by exotic fish owners. Often, these fish are used for food, but not much more than that. They are not typically found in pet stores.
The Gafftopsail catfish is a fish that most fishermen are wary of because it can be dangerous. Experienced fishermen know how to distinguish this fish from the Hardhead catfish, how to properly clean it, and how to make sure that it is properly prepared to taste delicious at the dinner table.
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