Carlarius heudelotii

Carlarius heudelotii (Valenciennes); Smoothmouth sea catfish Remarks: Carlarius heudelotii, synonymized with Arius heudelotii (Valenciennes) and Arius mercatoris (Poll) is commonly found in coastal marine waters but occasionally inhabits estuaries and brackish environments. During our field survey, this species was occasionally encountered in both Badagry and Epe of NLL. Its presence has also been confirmed in the Nigerian Niger Basin. Carlarius heudelotii is characterized by strong, serrated, erectile spines on both the dorsal and pectoral fins. It possesses ten soft rays in the pectoral fins, 18 rays in the anal fin, and a well-developed adipose fin. The head is rounded and slightly flattened on top, with an inferior mouth and three pairs of blackish barbels.