Appearance
- Body brownish to gray-green, with a white to yellowish belly
- Three prominent, sharp spines (one at beginning of dorsal fin and one on each pectoral fin)
- Spines do not have fleshy filaments
- Four barbels on chin
- Barbels at corner of mouth (shorter than head and not flat)
Similar Species: Gafftopsail catfish, B. marinus (has two chin barbels and spines with long filaments)
Size: Up to 24 inches (12 pounds)
Habitat
Continental waters; enters brackish waters. Commonly caught from bridges, catwalks, and piers, particularly in passes and inland waterways.
Behavior
Males incubate eggs in their mouth