Cathorops Higuchii
📖 Overview
Cathorops Higuchii (Cathorops higuchii), first described by R., 2008 is a medium-sized fish in the family Ariidae (order Siluriformes). Adults typically reach 19.20 cm in maximum length. It inhabits marine coastal and open-ocean environments. 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.
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal soft rays (total): 7; Anal soft rays: 19 - 24. Differs from all congeners in having 18-21 gill rakers on first arch; slightly granulated cephalic shield; and orbit diameter 11.7-18.9% of external mental barbel length. Additional diagnostic characters include 17-21 gill rakers on second arch; snout length 6.1-8.0% SL; orbital diameter 3.3-4.4% SL; absence of fleshy papillae intercalated with gill rakers on first two gill arches; dorsal-fin spine length 18.6-22.2%SL; dorsal-fin spine longer than pectoral-fin spine; dorsal-fin spine length 35.6-43.3% of distance from tip of snout to pelvic-fin origin; nuchal plate length 6.3-7.5; width of posterior portion of supraoccipital process 2.7-3.3% SL; length of accessory tooth plates 2.6-4.7%SL; premaxilla width 5.7-7.7%SL; supraoccipital process length 3.1-4.5 in maxillary barbel length; supraoccipital process length 2.1-3.1 in external mental barbel length; distance from tip to snout to posterior margin of dorsomedian groove of neurocranium 20.9-26.3% SL; distance between lateral cornu of lateral ethmoid and external limb of the supracleithrum 20.4-25.9% SL and pelvic fin pale .
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Cathorops Higuchii is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; brackish; demersal. Tropical Central Atlantic: Honduras to Panama.
🌿 Ecology
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ 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 Higuchii 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 Cathorops Higuchii is currently being compiled from USDA FoodData Central.
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Cathorops Higuchii 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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