Cobbler

About

The South Australian catfish (Cnidoglanis macrocephalus) is an inshore marine species native to the southern and eastern coasts of Australia, where it haunts shallow bays, sandy inlets, and estuarine waters near river mouths. In the wild it spends daylight hours tucked into holes and along rocky ledges, only venturing out after dark to forage. Its diet shifts as it matures. Juveniles pick off small crustaceans hiding among drifting algae, while adults graduate to mollusks and polychaete worms, with the occasional prawn or amphipod thrown in. Despite its size, this fish has a genuinely peaceful temperament and presents no real aggression toward tankmates, though its sheer bulk means it needs serious space to thrive. One thing worth knowing before you handle it: the dorsal and pectoral fins carry sharp venomous spines that can deliver a genuinely painful wound, so use a towel or net and keep your hands clear. It is also commonly called cobbler or deteira in Australia, names that reference both the fish and its painful sting. Surprisingly, its care needs are considered manageable even for less experienced keepers, provided the aquarium is large enough and water chemistry stays in the appropriate marine range.