Steindachner's sea catfish
📖 Overview
Steindachner's sea catfish (Cathorops steindachneri) is a ray-finned fish of the family Ariidae. It inhabits diadromous, migrating between freshwater and the sea waters in benthic environments. This species can reach a maximum total length of 36 cm. With a trophic level of 4.4, it is an apex predator. It is assessed as Data Deficient on the IUCN Red List. Venomous.
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Body somewhat elongate; mouth sub-terminal; cephalic plate prominent, granulated, and rough; pre-dorsal plate narrow; pre-maxillary teeth villiform; vomerine teeth lacking; palate with molariform teeth set in two separate sub-oval plates; inner edge of pectoral spine coarsely notched; caudal fin lobes long, thin, and pointed, about the same length as the head; body dark brown; belly white; flanks silvery blue (iridescent); fins dark or black; barbels dark brown .: fusiform / normal.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Steindachner's sea catfish is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; freshwater; brackish; demersal. Tropical; 14°N - 8°N Central America: Pacific draining rivers and estuaries.
🌿 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
🌐 Names & Taxonomy
Scientific Synonyms
| Scientific Name | Author | Year | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arius steindachneri | Gilbert & Starks | 1904 | Synonym |
| Cathorops steindechneri | Gilbert & Starks | 1904 | Synonym |
| Tachysurus steindachneri | Gilbert & Starks | 1904 | Synonym |
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 2 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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