The hardhead catfish has a very painful but not deadly toxin in its dorsal and each pectoral fin. I took a pectoral fin puncture in between my thumb and forefinger. The pain was so intense that I had three blackouts. Get your affected limb in the hottest water you can stand, the pain will subside immediately.

What happens if you get stung by a hardhead catfish?

Although these stings are often innocuous, severe tissue necrosis may occur. The hand is the most common site of catfish stings. Two cases of catfish stings of the hand are presented. In one of these cases gangrene of the long and small fingers developed requiring amputation.

Are catfish stings painful?

Both saltwater and freshwater catfish stings are dangerous. Each type of catfish has three spines and a stinging apparatus. Symptoms of a Catfish Sting may include severe pain and inflammation at the site of the sting.