Which of the fishes is characterised by the presence of sensory barbels around the mouth and is devoid of scales?

Options

A. Rat fish
B. Cat fish
C. Dog fish
D. Porcupine fish

Answer

To solve the question about which fish is characterized by the presence of sensory barbels around the mouth and is devoid of scales, we can follow these steps:

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding the Characteristics**: The question specifies two key characteristics:
- Presence of sensory barbels around the mouth.
- Absence of scales (devoid of scales).

2. **Identifying the Type of Fish**:
- Fishes that are known to have sensory barbels are typically found among bony fishes, particularly within the group known as ray-finned fishes.
- Sensory barbels are slender, whisker-like organs that help fish sense their environment, especially in murky waters.

3. **Function of Sensory Barbels**:
- These barbels contain taste buds that allow fish to detect food in environments where visibility is low, which is crucial for their survival.

4. **Examples of Fish with These Characteristics**:
- Among the ray-finned fishes, the catfish is a prominent example that fits both criteria: it has sensory barbels and is known to be devoid of scales.

5. **Conclusion**:
- Based on the characteristics and examples discussed, the fish that is characterized by the presence of sensory barbels around the mouth and is devoid of scales is the **catfish**.

### Final Answer:
The fish characterized by the presence of sensory barbels around the mouth and is devoid of scales is the **catfish**.

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