Produced on a $50,000 budget, the film stars Marshall Grauer as a mad scientist who aims to transform himself into a mutation to seek revenge on those who spurned him.

Cited as one of the worst films ever made, it gained significant exposure when it was used in an episode of the movie-mocking television series Mystery Science Theater 3000 in May 1999, under its alternate title Blood Waters of Dr.

[2] In his laboratory, mad scientist Dr. Kurt Leopold contemplates his former colleagues' derision for his "formula", "ZaAt", a compound that can transform humans into sea creature hybrids.

Taking her back to his lab, the doctor straps her in a mesh basket beside the large water tank, with the intention to make her his mate.

Baffled by the deaths, Rex contacts an organization known as INPIT, which sends scientists Martha Walsh and Walker Stevens to the town.

Jacksonville, Florida resident Don Barton serves as director, producer and co-writer,[3] alongside Lee O. Larew and Ron Kivett.

[10] Zaat was originally released on video by ThrillerVideo under the Attack of the Swamp Creature title, with popular horror hostess Elvira hosting and spoofing the film throughout.

[14] Dave Sindelar on his Fantastic Movie Musings and Ramblings wrote, "The concept is ridiculous (let’s face it – catfish just aren’t scary), the plot is primitive, the acting is very weak, and the direction isn’t good.

Nonetheless, the film is full of unintentionally funny dialogue, the use of sound and music is unique (if wrongheaded), and it’s more charmingly primitive than excruciatingly dull.

Factory released the MST3K episode as part of the "Volume XVII" DVD collection of the series, along with The Crawling Eye, The Beatniks, and The Final Sacrifice.