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Hardhead Catfish
Common

Hardhead Catfish

Ariopsis felis

A common marine catfish with a hard, bony head and venomous spines on the dorsal and pectoral fins. Often considered a nuisance species by anglers targeting other fish.

The record

Hardhead Catfish at a glance

Scientific name
Ariopsis felis
Typical size
6-12 inches, 0.5-2 lbs
Water
Saltwater
Habitat
Inshore
Rarity in the Fishdex™
Common
Where it lives

Habitat

Found in shallow coastal waters, bays, and estuaries along the Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic coast. Frequently caught by bottom fishing with cut bait, often when targeting more desirable species like redfish or trout.

Catch one and it is yours

Log a hardhead catfish through the Cobia Camera and this entry fills in with your photo, your personal best, and the exact conditions on the day. The app also carries the slot and season rules for wherever you are standing.

How the Fishdex™ works
Questions

Hardhead Catfish questions people ask

Hardhead Catfish is Ariopsis felis.

A typical hardhead catfish runs 6-12 inches, 0.5-2 lbs. Cobia records the length and weight of every hardhead catfish you log and keeps your personal best on its Fishdex entry.

Found in shallow coastal waters, bays, and estuaries along the Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic coast. Frequently caught by bottom fishing with cut bait, often when targeting more desirable species like redfish or trout. It is a salt water species, filed under inshore in the Fishdex.

Yes. Log one through the Cobia Camera and this entry fills in with your own photo, your personal best, and the conditions on the day you caught it. The app also carries the slot limits and season dates for wherever you are standing. It is free.

Free on iPhone

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iPhone, iOS 17 or later. Setup takes about a minute.