Arius manillensis is a species of marine catfish endemic to the island of Luzon, Philippines. It is commonly known as the Manila sea catfish or kanduli. It is fished commercially.
Arius manillensis reach a maximum length of 29.6 cm (11.7 in) (in males).
Arius manillensis is endemic to the island of Luzon, Philippines. It is found in the area around Manila, Bataan, Laguna, Cavite, and Rizal; including the Pasig River and Laguna de Bay. It inhabits marine, brackish, freshwater, and benthopelagic habitats.
Arius manillensis are mouthbrooders. The males of the species incubate the eggs within their mouths for six to eight weeks and provide shelter for the young once they hatch. A single instance of a female carrying eggs in her mouth has also been reported. Upon hatching, the young forage for plankton in short bursts but will quickly return to the safety of the mouth of the adult if alarmed. They eventually become independent once they reach a size of 30 to 44 mm (1.2 to 1.7 in). During the entire period, the adults do not eat and their stomachs shrink dramatically.
