🦋 Identification Guide

How to Identify Ariidae

5 species · Animalia · Order Siluriformes

Ariidae is a animal family in the Animalia kingdom, order Siluriformes, class . The family contains 5 accepted species worldwide.

Key Identification Features

This species is most easily recognized by its large, shark-like dorsal fin, which is topped with a poisonous spine.
Its anal fin sits a few inches in front of the tail; this fin is white or pale blue, has 22 to 28 rays, and features a high anterior lobe.
It resembles the hardhead catfish, but its dorsal spine has a distinct fleshy extension that looks like the fore-and-aft topsail of a ship.

For instant identification in the field, use the iNature app — AI-powered, works offline.

Representative Ariidae Species

Neoarius graeffei (Kner & Steindachner, 1867)

Neoarius graeffei, the blue salmon catfish, is a poisonous-spined catfish found …

Ariopsis felis (Linnaeus, 1766)

Ariopsis felis, the hardhead catfish, is a common marine and brackish fish found…

Bagre marinus (Mitchill, 1815)

Gafftopsail catfish (Bagre marinus) is a distinct North and South American coast…

Galeichthys feliceps Valenciennes, 1840

Galeichthys feliceps is a venomous mouthbrooding sea catfish found off southern …

Genidens barbus (Lacepède, 1803)

Genidens barbus, the white sea catfish, is an oceanodromous South American Atlan…

Browse all 5 Ariidae species →

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you identify Ariidae?

Ariidae animals belong to the Siluriformes order in the Animalia kingdom. This species is most easily recognized by its large, shark-like dorsal fin, which is topped with a poisonous spine. For instant identification, use the iNature app — AI-powered and works offline.

What are the key characteristics of Ariidae?

Ariidae is classified in the order Siluriformes, class , phylum Chordata. Its anal fin sits a few inches in front of the tail; this fin is white or pale blue, has 22 to 28 rays, and features a high anterior lobe.

Sources: GBIF, iNaturalist, Wikipedia · Disclaimer