Belize sea catfish
📖 Overview
Belize sea catfish (Cathorops belizensis), first described by R., 2008 is a medium-sized fish in the family Ariidae (order Siluriformes). Adults typically reach 24.80 cm in maximum length. It inhabits brackish estuarine and coastal transition zones between freshwater and the sea. It occurs in Tropical waters. Diet is predominantly piscivorous, targeting other fish and larger prey. On the IUCN Red List, it is classified as Data Deficient.The species is important as a food fish and venomous and potentially dangerous to handle. As a member of the Ariidae, it shares life-history and morphological traits with its relatives in the group.
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal soft rays (total): 7; Anal soft rays: 18 - 21. Differs from all congeners by possessing 19-20 gill rakers on first arch; 18-21 anal-fin rays; posterior margin of pectoral-fin spine with short and inconspicuous serrations; orbital diameter 3.6-4.4% SL; interorbital distance 12.9-15.1% SL; and dorsal fin spine length 29.4-33.3% of distance from tip of snout to pelvic-fin origin. Additional diagnostic characters include snout length 6.9-8.9% SL; supraoccipital process (8.8-10.5% SL); lacking fleshy papillae intercalated with gill rakers on first two arches; remarkably granulated cephalic shield; dorsal-fin spine 15.9-17.6% SL, dorsal-fin spine as long as pectoral-fin spine; nuchal plate 5.6-6.4% SL; distance between anterior nostrils 5.1-6.1% SL; distance between posterior nostrils 5.9-7.6%SL; mouth width 10.0-13.2%SL; premaxilla width 6.3-11.9% SL; lower lobe of caudal-fin 25.5-28.2%SL; pelvic fin pale; head length 25.8-31.9%SL; snout length 6.9-8.9%SL; and distance between lateral cornu of lateral ethmoid and external limb of supracleithrum 22.2-26.4%SL .
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Belize sea catfish is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Brackish; demersal. Tropical Central Atlantic: mangrove channels in Belize City, Belize.
🌿 Ecology
📐 Morphometrics
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
⚠️ Venom Profile
- pain
- oedema
- rare systemic effects
Wound care, analgesia.
References: Compiled from Bhide (2018), Halstead et al. (1988) and family-specific envenomation literature
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Cathorops Belizensis 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
Detailed nutritional data for Belize sea catfish is currently being compiled from USDA FoodData Central.
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Belize sea catfish has not yet been assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.
🌿 Sustainability
🔬 Full Nutritional Profile
Per 100g - Raw, per 100g - Source: USDA FoodData Central templates (generic fish average)
📊 Population Dynamics
| Year | Region | Index | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| - | - | - |
🔍 Similar Species
👥 Community & Contribute
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