Appearance
Bluish-green back, fading to a silver-white belly
Three prominent, sharp spines (one at beginning of dorsal fin and one on each pectoral fin)
The three prominent spines have elongated, fleshy filaments
Two barbels on chin
Barbels at corner of mouth are flattened and very elongated
Similar Species: Hardhead catfish, A. felis (has four chin barbels and spines lack filaments)
Size: Up to 27 inches (10 pounds)
Habitat
Coastal waters; may enter brackish waters
Behavior
A good food-fish that is usually less common than the hardhead catfish