Not furry, but we like them anyway.

Columbian Shark Catfish

Ariopsis seemanni

Also called Colombian shark catfish, Tete sea catfish, Silver-tipped shark, White-tip shark catfish, Black fin shark

SpeciesShort profile

From Pacific coast of the Americas, in coastal seas, estuaries and Pacific-draining rivers; recorded from El Salvador to Panama, with a wider range from Mexico to Peru given by other sources1 2 3

At a glance the quick version

Length35 to 44.4 cm2 1

Sizelarge

Active and eye-catching shark-like swimmer

Peaceful with its own kind

Adapts from fresh water as a youngster to sea water as an adult

2 3

Looks how to spot one

Sleek, shark-shaped sea catfish

A streamlined catfish with a tall, pointed dorsal fin and forked tail that give it a shark-like look. Young fish are silvery with dark fins tipped in white, and adults become thicker-bodied, females more so than males. It can reach about 35 cm standard length and up to around 44 cm in total length.2 1 3

Colourssilvery grey with black, white-tipped fins3 2

Personality what they are like

Peaceful and sociable towards its own species and comfortable in a small group. It is a lively, constantly moving fish.2 3

Daily activity how busy a day looks

A very active swimmer that needs long, open swimming space.3 2

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Temperature about 22 to 26 °C and pH around 6.8 to 8.5. Juveniles manage in hard fresh water, but salt must be added as the fish grows, ending in brackish water around specific gravity 1.005 or full sea water for adults. The fin spines carry venom glands, so handle with care and use a net. Best suited to keepers who can provide a very large tank for life.2 1 3

Home where they are happiest

Coastal marine and brackish waters and medium to large rivers. Adults need a very large aquarium, with a base of at least about 240 x 60 cm (around 860 litres).1 2

Food basics what goes in the bowl

A meat eater. Young fish take bloodworm and other small meaty foods; larger fish take earthworms, mussel, prawn and sinking pellets or tablets.2

Company who they like around

Does best in a small group of its own kind.2

The story where it all began

Günther described the species in 1864 as Arius seemanni, and it has since been moved between several genera. It is fished commercially in its home range, appears in public aquariums and is sometimes sold as a young fish in the pet trade.3 1

Fun facts for the dinner table

1
Males carry the fertilised eggs in their mouths until they hatch.1
2
It can make audible sounds by grinding the bones of its pectoral fins.2
3
Young fish live in rivers and move to brackish and salt water as they grow up.3
4
It goes by an unusually long list of trade names, from 'silver-tipped shark' to 'Christian catfish'.3

Recognised by the official bits

IUCN Red List: Least Concern (assessed 2007)1
Albert Günther: Described in 1864 as Arius seemanni3

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for a Columbian Shark Catfish. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

FeedingSmall amounts once or twice a dayevery day
Temperature checkevery day
Salinity checkevery week
Top-upTop up evaporation with fresh RO water, not salt waterevery day
Water testevery week
Water changeAbout 10 to 20% of the waterevery 2 weeks
Glass cleanevery week

Owner questions the things everyone asks

How often should I feed my Columbian Shark Catfish?

Furry Diary's starting plan is to feed small amounts once or twice a day. This active meat-eater does well with regular, moderate meals.2 Pet Wiki plan

What does a Columbian Shark Catfish eat, and what should it never eat?

It is a meat eater. Young fish enjoy bloodworm and other small meaty foods, while larger ones take earthworms, mussel, prawn and sinking pellets. Avoid any plant-based foods as they are not suitable.2

How much space does a Columbian Shark Catfish need?

Adults need a very large aquarium with a base of at least about 240 x 60 cm (around 860 litres). They are very active swimmers and require long, open swimming space.3 2 1

What temperature, light or water does a Columbian Shark Catfish need?

Temperature should be 22 to 26 °C with pH around 6.8 to 8.5. Juveniles manage in hard fresh water, but as they grow you must add salt, ending in brackish water (specific gravity 1.005) or full sea water for adults. Furry Diary suggests checking temperature daily and salinity weekly.2 1 3 Pet Wiki plan

How often should I clean a Columbian Shark Catfish's home?

Furry Diary's plan includes a weekly water test and glass clean, with a 10-20% water change every two weeks. Top up evaporation daily with fresh RO water, not salt water. Pet Wiki plan

Can a Columbian Shark Catfish live with others?

Yes, it is peaceful and sociable towards its own species and does best in a small group. It is a lively, constantly moving fish that enjoys company.2 3

How long does a Columbian Shark Catfish live?

Lifespan varies depending on care and environment. For specific information, please ask a good breeder or an exotic-pet vet.

Can I handle a Columbian Shark Catfish?

Handling is not recommended because the fin spines carry venom glands. Always use a net with care, and avoid direct contact.2 1 3

Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.

Spotted Scat

Four-eyed Fish

Where this comes from

Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? support@petwiki.app.

FishBase: Ariopsis seemanni, Tete sea catfish fishbase.seused for range, size, weight, environment, water parameters, mouthbrooding, tank size, IUCN, author
Seriously Fish: Ariopsis seemanni seriouslyfish.comused for size, tank size, water parameters, salinity by age, diet, group size, sounds, breeding
Wikipedia: Ariopsis seemanni en.wikipedia.orgused for common names, range, salinity change with age, aquarium suitability, naming

Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.