Dark sea catfish
📖 Overview
Dark sea catfish (Cathorops melanopus) is a ray-finned fish of the family Ariidae. It inhabits freshwater waters. This species can reach a maximum total length of 23 cm. With a trophic level of 4.2, it is a mid-level predator. It is assessed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. Commercially fished and consumed as food, venomous.
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 1; Dorsal soft rays (total): 7; Anal soft rays: 19 - 20. Distinguished from all other species of Cathorops by the possession of the following features: gill rakers on first arch 16-18; anal fin with 19-20 rays; snout length 5.3-5.5% SL; and posterior margin of pectoral-fin spine with prominent serrations, except in Cathorops aguadulce, Cathorops kailolae, Cathorops multiradiatus, and Cathorops tuyra. Can be further differentiated from other congeners by the following combination of characters: distance from tip of snout to dorsal-fin origin 30.0-32.6% SL; distance from tip of snout to posterior margin of dorsomedian groove of neurocranium 17.9-19.1% SL; absence of fleshy papillae intercalated with gill rakers on first two arches; head length 22.3-23.0% SL; distance between lateral cornu of lateral ethmoid and external limb of supracleithrum 19.3-19.6% SL; distance between the anterior nostrils 3.6-4.4% SL; distance between posterior nostrils 4.4-5.1% SL; orbital diameter 4.5-5.0% SL; interorbital distance 11.1-12.1% SL; mouth width 8.9-9.7% SL; premaxilla width 5.1-5.8% SL; intense black pigmentation on pelvic fin; distance from tip of snout to pelvic-fin origin 46.2-49.1% SL; dorsal-fin spine length 17.2-18.1% SL; caudal-peduncle height 8.7-9.0% SL; width of cephalic shield at supracleithrum area 16.7-16.9% SL; and body width 19.6-20.1% SL .: fusiform / normal.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Dark sea catfish is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
Diet information for Dark sea catfish is currently being compiled.
🥚 Reproduction
Reproduction data for Dark sea catfish is currently being compiled.
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Freshwater; benthopelagic. Tropical Central America: Rio Motagua, Guatemala; probably in the Honduran portion of the rio Motagua near itsmouth.
🌿 Ecology
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Dark 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
Detailed nutritional data for Dark sea catfish is currently being compiled from USDA FoodData Central.
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Dark sea catfish has not yet been assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.
🌿 Sustainability
🌐 Names & Taxonomy
| Language | Common Names |
|---|---|
| 🇬🇧English | dark sea catfish |
| 🌍CES | katorops guatemalský |
| 🇪🇸Spanish | bagre prieto |
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 1 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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