Catfish Spines
Catfish are a large family of fish containing thousands of species of fish. These fish range in sizes from under one inch long to several feet in length. Some catfish can weigh hundreds of pounds!
Many catfish have the same characteristics that make them easily identifiable. They have whiskers, also known as barbells, protruding from around their mouths. These fish also have catfish spines, tiny pieces of bone that can be found in the pectoral and dorsal fins of the fish. Catfish spines are the primary cause for concern among anglers.
Where Are They Located?
Catfish spines can only be found in the pectoral and dorsal fins on catfish. They are not found in any other fins, tail, or any part of the fish.
Are They Dangerous?
Most catfish spines are not considered dangerous. Once they puncture the skin, the person that is handling the fish will experience pain and the skin will become both swollen and tender. While this can be extremely uncomfortable, it does not necessarily mean that they are dangerous. Often, these wounds do not require medical care from a professional.
However, there are certain species of catfish that have toxic venom in their catfish spines. If a person comes in contact with one of these fish, they are encouraged to seek emergency medical attention.
Can You Die from a Catfish Sting?
While these spines might cause pain and swelling when they puncture the skin, which is often referred to as being stung by a catfish, the chances of dying from one of these injuries is almost none. Rare species of catfish that have poisonous venom do exist, but these are often not caught by anglers.
How Can You Avoid Catfish Spines?
Avoiding coming into contact with catfish spines is the easiest way to avoid injury. In order to do this, anglers need to pay attention to how they hold the fish. Most people prefer a lip grip. This involves grabbing the fish by the lip to unhook it, and it is one of the best ways to avoid being stung by a catfish.
Other grips are also common, especially among those that are not fond of having their hand in the fish’s mouth. These grips involve wrapping a hand around the midsection of the fish and grabbing the top of the fish in front of the dorsal fin with the second hand. This helps a fisherman have control over the fish without him having to touch the dorsal or pectoral fins.
Smaller Fish Increase Chances of Injury
Although most people fear the catfish spines on larger fish, it is smaller fish that anglers need to worry about. These fish are harder to handle without touching the catfish spines because of their small size. It can also be more difficult to hold them using a lip grip because their mouths are so small. Being careful, especially with smaller sized fish, is the key to avoiding injuries.
Catfish spines are designed to help this family of fish protect themselves against predators, and that includes anglers. Often, injuries from catfish spines are not fatal, and they can easily be treated at home.
Related Video:
