The Danger Of The Sawai Catfish.

[kawapower]

Got stabbed between my thumb and first finger 2 weeks ago, oh my god the pain for 15 mins was almost unbearable, still having problems with my hand, I will be taking extra care whenever I land one of these fish in future.

[HeavyDrinker]

Did you have/have you already had a tetanus shot?

In future a pair of gloves could be a good idea when dealing with your catch. There's a lot of "Barbed" fish around which can give you a nasty jab it you're unfamiliar with them, not to mention more than a few who can take a finger or two...

[kawapower]

I have been fishing in Thailand for the last 3 yrs, this fish was Ting Tong and stuck me!! I am off fishing again next week and if no better I will be visiting the hospital to have checked, also maybe get a Tetanus jab.

[HeavyDrinker]

Seriously! Go NOW and get that jab. My word you can only imagine what nastiness could have been in the water or even on the fish itself.

We feel pain for a reason; as a warning, so obviously something is not right. My guess is that maybe a splinter of the barb has broken off in there but get it seen to....

.

[kawapower]

Seriously! Go NOW and get that jab. My word you can only imagine what nastiness could have been in the water or even on the fish itself.

We feel pain for a reason; as a warning, so obviously something is not right. My guess is that maybe a splinter of the barb has broken off in there but get it seen to....

.

Just back from the hospital, had X-ray which was clear, had Tetanus jab back in 3 months and 6 months for follow up jabs. Will be very careful with these fish in future, also have anti- biotics.

Edited August 4, 2012 by kawapower

[jackinbkk]

A few times I have been told that the pla duk has some venom in it's barbs but i'm not sure that's true.

[kawapower]

A few times I have been told that the pla duk has some venom in it's barbs but i'm not sure that's true.

All I can say is when I got stuck it was agony fog approx 15 mins, 3 weeks now and it is still sore, fishing is dangerous but still great fun.

[rsokolowski]

Catfish also have sharp barbs on the leading edge of the pectoral and dorsal fins. When you grab the fish just be careful.

[Monkeypants]

the barbs do contain some sort of poison,

I like the op, can confirm the pain and discomfort and slight numbness for days

I let mine be and after a few days it cleared up,