07.11.2026 12:14
In Hatay, a fish with a leopard pattern and a hard, spiny structure that got caught on the fishing line of amateur fishermen in the Asi River caused unease. Worried that the fish, which they had never encountered before, might be poisonous, the fishermen learned after their research that the species was an armored stingray.
In the Tanışma Neighborhood of Antakya district, Bedrettin Okuyucu has been fishing as a hobby for about 20 years. Recently, while fishing in the Asi River with his friend, Okuyucu's line caught a fish with a leopard pattern, spines and a hard structure, which he had never seen before. Curious about the species of the fish he had caught, Okuyucu learned as a result of his research that the fish was an armored catfish. Okuyucu, who stated that although he had been fishing for years, he encountered such a species for the first time, said that he was afraid when he first saw the fish and that he did not recommend consuming it. While it is unknown how the fish came to the Asi River, it is considered that it may have been released into the river from an aquarium by citizens.
"I HAVE BEEN FISHING FOR 20 YEARS, I HAVE ENCOUNTERED A FISH FOR THE FIRST TIME"
Bedrettin Okuyucu, who said that although he had been fishing in the Asi River for years, he encountered such a fish for the first time and was afraid when he first saw it, said, "I have been fishing for about 20 years. We said let's come here and catch some fish. Generally fish such as carp, mullet and sea bream come out here. However, I encountered such a fish for the first time. They said it was an armored catfish. It is a very unusual fish. Its body is quite hard and covered with thorn-like protrusions everywhere. I was scared when I first saw it. We caught it and put it in a bucket; it is alive right now. Those who want to see it can come and look. In my opinion, it is not a fish to eat; I would not eat it. Although I have been fishing for this many years, I am encountering such a species for the first time," he said.
"AT FIRST, THINKING IT COULD BE POISONOUS, WE WERE AFRAID EVEN TO TOUCH IT"
Mustafa Uslu, who said that when they first caught the fish, they were afraid to touch it due to concern that it might be poisonous, used the expressions, "We came here today to catch fish. Besides carp and eight-barbeled fish, we encountered an armored catfish for the first time. We had not seen such a fish before. We noticed that its exterior was quite hard. When we researched on the internet, we learned that it was an invasive species. At first, thinking it might be poisonous, we were even afraid to touch it. After researching further, we picked it up. We caught one large armored catfish and 5-6 juvenile armored catfish alongside it. I don't know whether it can be eaten, but I do not recommend consuming it."