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💧 Freshwater Least Concern 🍽️ Edible ⚠️ Venomous ⚡ Traumatogenic 🌡️ Tropical

Cathorops Arenatus

Cathorops arenatus Valenciennes, 1840
Max Length
25 cm
Max Weight
-
Lifespan
-
Trophic Level
4.3
Depth
-
Climate
Tropical
Resilience
High
Vulnerability
30.00/100
Typical Length
-
Depth Zone
-

📖 Overview

Cathorops Arenatus (Cathorops arenatus), first described by Valenciennes, 1840 is a medium-sized fish in the family Ariidae (order Siluriformes). Adults typically reach 25.00 cm in maximum length. It inhabits freshwater systems including rivers, streams, and lakes. It occurs in Tropical waters. Diet is predominantly piscivorous, targeting other fish and larger prey. On the IUCN Red List, it is classified as Least Concern.The species is important as a food fish, venomous and potentially dangerous to handle, and considered a sustainable seafood option under current management. As a member of the Ariidae, it shares life-history and morphological traits with its relatives in the group.

Scientific Name
Cathorops arenatus
Authority
Valenciennes, 1840
Habitat
Freshwater
Climate
Tropical
IUCN Status
LC
Max Length
25 cm
Trophic Level
4.3
Resilience
High
Vulnerability
30.00/100
Salinity
0–0.5 ppt

🔬 Taxonomy

Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Teleostei
Teleostei
Order
Siluriformes
Siluriformes
Family
Ariidae
Ariidae
Genus
Cathorops
Cathorops
Species
Cathorops Arenatus
Cathorops arenatus

🐟 Physical Description

Physical description for Cathorops Arenatus is currently being compiled.

🌀 Behaviour

Behavioural data for Cathorops Arenatus is currently being reviewed.

🦐 Diet

small fish
crustaceans
cephalopods

🥚 Reproduction

🐣 Oviparous 👄 Mouth Brooder
Spawning Season
spring
Spawn Location
Substrate
Fertilization
External

🌍 Habitat & Distribution

Freshwater; benthopelagic. Tropical South America: Atlantic coastal rivers from Guyana to northeastern Brazil.

🌿 Ecology

Zone Preferences
💧 Freshwater
Trophic Level
4.3±0.8

📐 Morphometrics

Length–Weight Relationship: W = 0.00468 × L3.13 (TL)
Max TL
25cm

🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance

Salinity Range
0–0.5ppt

🛡️ Conservation Assessment

IUCN Category
Least Concern
Assessment Date
2011

📊 Population Risk & Fisheries

Population Resilience
High
Minimum doubling time
Fishing Vulnerability
30.00/100
Low vulnerability
Trophic Level
4.3
Apex / Top predator
Climate Zone
Tropical
Described By
Valenciennes, 1840

⚠️ Venom Profile

Medical Warning: This species is venomous. Seek immediate medical attention if envenomated. Contact emergency services and follow first aid guidance below.
Venom Type
proteinaceous
Delivery
dorsal and pectoral spines with venom glands
Potency
Mild
Mortality Risk
Low
Symptom Onset
2min
Duration
12.0hrs
Antivenom
✗ Not Available
Named Toxins
crinotoxins protein toxins
Symptoms
  • pain
  • oedema
  • rare systemic effects
Affected Body Systems
peripheral nervous system
First Aid
Hot water immersion.
Medical Treatment

Wound care, analgesia.

References: Compiled from Bhide (2018), Halstead et al. (1988) and family-specific envenomation literature

🍽️ Edibility & Flavour

"Cathorops Arenatus is an edible species."

✗ Not for Raw
✓ Fresh Indicators
  • 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
✗ Avoid If
  • Cloudy or sunken eyes
  • Strong fishy or ammonia odour
  • Soft, mushy flesh that doesn't spring back
  • Discoloured or dry flesh
Best Cooking Methods
Baking Grilling Pan-frying

⚡ Nutrition

Detailed nutritional data for Cathorops Arenatus is currently being compiled from USDA FoodData Central.

🔬 Mercury Safety

Mercury data for Cathorops Arenatus has not yet been assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.

🌿 Sustainability

Best Choice
Healthy stocks, low impact
Good Alternative
Well-managed, minor concerns
Use Caution
Check sourcing and season
Avoid
Overfished or high impact
✓ Sustainable Choice

🔬 Full Nutritional Profile

Per 100g - Raw, per 100g - Source: USDA FoodData Central templates (generic fish average)

Proximate Composition
Energy125 kcal
Moisture75 %
Protein20 %
Total Fat4 %
Ash1.3 %
Fatty Acids (g)
Saturated Fat1 g
Monounsaturated Fat1.2 g
Polyunsaturated Fat1.5 g
Omega-3 Total1 g
EPA0.3 g
DHA0.5 g
Omega-6 Total0.3 g
Key Minerals & Vitamins
Calcium20 mg
Iron0.7 mg
Magnesium30 mg
Phosphorus220 mg
Potassium380 mg
Sodium55 mg
Zinc0.5 mg
Selenium32 µg
Vitamin B122 µg

📊 Population Dynamics

Year Region Index Notes
- - -

🗺️ Global Occurrence Map

Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 3 records indexed .

Occurrence density from GBIF View GBIF records ↗

👥 Community & Contribute

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