Gafftopsail sea catfish
📖 Overview
Mainly marine but enter brackish estuaries with relatively high salinities . Opportunistic feeders over mud and sandy bottoms . Adults feed mainly on small fishes and invertebrates. The dorsal and pectoral fins are equipped with a serrated erectile spine, both of which are venomous. Commonly caught by anglers along bridges, piers and catwalks. Flesh considered good; marketed fresh . Minimum depth reported taken from Ref. 57178.
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Anal soft rays: 22 - 28. Maxillary barbels, first ray of dorsal fin, and first ray of pectoral fin extended as long, flat filaments. 1 pair of barbels on chin.: elongated.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Gafftopsail sea catfish is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
Diet information for Gafftopsail sea catfish is currently being compiled.
🥚 Reproduction
Each male carries not more than 50 eggs in its mouth, usually averaging from 15 to 30 .
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; brackish; demersal; anadromous ; depth range 0 - 50 m . Subtropical; 43°N - 34°S, 98°W - 34°W South America.
🌿 Ecology
small fishes and invertebrates
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Gafftopsail sea catfish is an edible species."
- Clear, bright eyes — cloudy eyes indicate age
- Firm flesh that springs back when pressed
- Fresh ocean smell, never strong or ammonia-like
- Bright red or pink gills, not grey or brown
- Shiny, moist skin with scales tightly attached
- Cloudy or sunken eyes
- Strong fishy or ammonia odour
- Soft, mushy flesh that doesn't spring back
- Discoloured or dry flesh
⚡ Nutrition
Per 100g cooked - Source: USDA FoodData Central
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Protein | 17.6 g |
| Omega-3 (total) | 239 mg |
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Gafftopsail sea catfish has not yet been assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.
🌿 Sustainability
🌐 Names & Taxonomy
| Language | Common Names |
|---|---|
| 🇬🇧English | gafftopsail catfish · gafftopsail sea catfish |
| 🇪🇸Spanish | bagre · bagre bandera |
Scientific Synonyms
| Scientific Name | Author | Year | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aelurichthys longispinis | Günther | 1864 | Synonym |
| Felichthys felis | - | - | Synonym |
| Felichthys marinus | Mitchill | 1815 | Synonym |
| Galeichthys bahiensis | Castelnau | 1855 | Synonym |
| Galeichthys blochii | Valenciennes | 1840 | Synonym |
| Galeichthys parrae | Valenciennes | 1840 | Synonym |
| Silurus marinus | Mitchill | 1815 | Synonym |
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 100 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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