South African Sea Barbel - The White Seacatfish Galeichthys Feliceps

Pictures And Information On The White Sea Catfish

The South African saltwater version of the Sharptooth Catfish is a type of Sea Barbel called the White Seacatfish. This South African fish species is regarded as a nuisance by the shore and estuarine angler as they often eat well presented baits put out for Kob, Garrick, Grunter and Steenbras. Not only does this bother the salt water fisherman but also the fact that it is very difficult to handle this fish as they have poisonous spines on the pectoral fins and dorsal fin. I, however, disagree with this. I enjoy catching the White Sea Catfish as most of the time it keeps me entertained when the Kob or grunter are off the bite. In the end fishing is about the sport of catching fish and enjoying it. Wouldn't you rather catch a White Sea Catfish than spend a whole day catching nothing? A lot of anglers kill the White Seacatfish when they catch it just to get their rig back. This is really inhumane and unnecessary, so please if you ever catch a White Sea Barbel, return it safely to the water.

The White Seacatfish is a shallow water operator... It is also tolerant of very low salinities in the water. This species of South African sea Barbel occurs in estuaries, shallow reefs, muddy banks, underneath rocky ledges and in under water cave systems. The White Seacatfish is a bottom feeder and uses it's three pairs of barbel's on the chin to feel through the muddy or sandy bottom for it's favoured crab and crayfish diet. Their diet also includes fish, shrimp and squid. If you ever get a wound from one of their poisonous spines a doctor should be visited immediately. Put the wound in boiling hot water for 30minutes.

The White Seacatfish is predominantly singular but every now and then large shoals of these fish will be encountered. The South African angling record is just under 4 kilograms.

How To Catch The South African White Sea Catfish

The White Seacatfish is not a very challenging fish to find. They are found from up river systems all the way into estuaries into river mouths and then into the breakers and offshore reefs. They are common all along the South African coast and can be caught on pink prawn, mud prawn, Chokka, sardine and Dropshot fishing methods. They will often take your Kob and Grunter baits before your target species find them. If you know you might come across this fish in your fishing trip remember to take some pliers with to remove the hook so the White Seacatfish doesn't get the chance to inflict a painful wound!

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