Do catfish have poisin in their fins?

Question

My mom told me thisi was also wondering if a catfish could SHOOT poison out at you? ( i dropped one one the ground then some squirted me in the eye)What would you do if it does?

It is in a pond. it was a channel cat

Answer 1

I'm pretty sure that catfish are not poisonous.

LIONFISH, however, which look a bit like catfish and have many very beautiful fins, are poisonous and do shoot poison out through various fins if you touch them. So don't touch a lionfish.
_________

Oh, wait, hold on. Many fresh and salt water catfish in fact do have poisonous barbs: http://encarta.msn.com/list_poisonoussurprises/10_Creatures_You_Didn't_Know_Were_Poisonous.html . One type of catfish called the Fossil Cat is rather aggressive, and its sting "will cause major swelling and illness to the handler," but this article (http://www.aquarticles.com/articles/breeding/Ball_Understanding_Catfish.html ) also notes that "Most stings from the other poisonous catfish deliver the same effect but are rarely fatal." This site (http://www.caske2000.org/caske/nature/dangeroussealife.htm ) notes that "Catfish also have spines (3) attached to their dorsal and two lateral fins. They can be dangerous to handle, but catfish do not attack."

Anyway, if you didn't get stung, I kind of doubt the fish would have just squirted poison at you. If your eye is bothering, see a doctor. Here's more websites: http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=catfish+poisonous&btnG=Search .

Answer 2

Yes, almost all catfish have poison in the spines but they can't shoot poison out at you. Whatever shot out at you wasn't the fishes poison directly but I would wash my eye really well if I were you. Also watch for potential infections as you can never tell what germs are on a fish. If your eye starts burning badly take the fish and go to the emergency room asap in case some poison did mix into what got in your eye. Taking the fish or knowing the scientific name will be very important.

ADDITION: Yes, channel catfish, like the overwhelming majority of catfish species in the world do have poisonous spins in their dorsal and pectoral fins. This poison is fairly weak and unless you are allergic will cause nothing more than localized swelling and a stinging pain much like a bee or wasp. A channel catfish has no way to shoot poison from it's spines.

MM

Answer 3

First let me reassure you electric cat fish are in the nile not in your local US water ways.

Also, most fresh water catfish are not poisonious to humans. Those that are poison are mostly salt water variety not fresh and none have the ability to SQUIRT poison from their spines.

There has been no deaths related to poison catfish in the USA. I often get pricked by the dorsal fins. With no ill effects. The largest concern is an infection from the dirty water more than poison. Ocean cats have poison to keep from being eaten by larger fish. Most catfish are harmless and it is highly unlikely even an allergic reaction will take place.

More than likely when you dropped your fish it was just water from the fish that hit you in the eye. Just rinse with fresh water. If an infection from the dirty water sets in or your eye stays red and irritated see your doctor.

Answer 4

All catfish, except members of Malapteruridae (electric catfish), possess a strong, hollow, bonified leading spine-like ray on their dorsal and pectoral fins. As a defense, these spines may be locked into place so that they stick outwards, which can inflict severe wounds. In several species catfish can use these fin rays to deliver a stinging protein if the fish is irritated. This poison is produced by glandular cells in the epidermal tissue covering the spines. In members of the family Plotosidae, and of the genus Heteropneustes, this protein is so strong it may hospitalize humans unfortunate enough to receive a sting; in Plotosus lineatus, the stings may result in death.

Don't worry. The fish has to sting you. You'll be fine! ☺

Answer 5

Most catfish are poisonous. The two pectoral fins (which are the fins on the side that would correspond to our arms) and the dorsal fin (the fin on the top of the back) have poisonous spines. But they have to sting you to be poisonous.

Answer 6

Wash your eye out. A catfish does not have poison in its gills, fins or whiskers. but anything from the catfish could certainly cause an infection in the eye since fish are in water that is not always clean or free of chemicals.

You will not die, and you will not become ill, but clean your eye with clean water and perhaps if the eye is red use some eye drops.

By the way, can I share in your catfish feast??? I love catfish....haha...Good luck to you.

Answer 7

I'm pretty shure catfish do not have poison in there fins because i had one and i used to pet it all the thine and it never did any thing to me so your answer is no.