It’s a commonly accepted myth that catfish are able to sting. Fortunately for those fishing for them it’s not true. For inexperience fishers catching a large cat may raise questions of how do you hold it to unhook it?
To better understand this its important to take a look at a catfish’s anatomy. The most iconic characteristic of these ray-finned fish are their whiskers. Just like a cat, rabbit, or dogs whiskers, a catfish’s are harmless. Touching them will not result in any pain to humans, but could cause discomfort to the fish.
Even though catfish can’t sting, much like perch, they can do damage with the fins on their backs. Depending on what type of catfish you are looking at there are variations in the number of rays and anal fins. But the dorsal and pectoral fins are the same, and they are what can hurt us.
The pectoral fins are on the fish’s side and low, while the dorsal fin is behind the head and up on it’s back. Inside the fins are spines that can prick up, while it’s possible to touch this and not be injured if a puncture to the skin occurs venom can be injected causing edema and hemolytic. Larger catfish are less likely to do any damage due to their duller spines, small catfish are the general culprits for injuries as their spines are more needle-like.
Catfish that are under two pounds or less than approximately 16 inches are the ones to be really careful when handling. Place your hand behind the dorsal and pectoral fins, the skin between your thumb and pointer finger should be resting behind the dorsal fin.
When handling a larger cat the standard lip grip is easiest for maneuvering the hook out of their mouth. Since they are also less likely to break the skin, this is a safe method for fish and human.
Say you have been finned- it is best to treat with hydrogen peroxide or other antiseptic as quickly as possible , and cover with a bandage to keep clean.
Alternatively in my research of this article I read rubbing the injured area on the belly of the catfish for ten to fifteen seconds will the sting. Then follow up with an antiseptic and bandage. To each his own, I am just the messenger on that one, I would personally recommend skipping the belly slime and the increased risk of infection.
