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💧 Freshwater 🍽️ Edible ⚠️ Venomous ⚡ Traumatogenic 🌡️ Tropical

Cathorops Variolosus

Cathorops variolosus Valenciennes, 1840
Max Length
14.1 cm
Max Weight
-
Lifespan
-
Trophic Level
4
Depth
-
Climate
Tropical
Resilience
High
Vulnerability
16.00/100
Typical Length
-
Depth Zone
demersal

📖 Overview

Cathorops Variolosus (Cathorops variolosus) is a ray-finned fish of the family Ariidae. It inhabits freshwater waters in benthic environments. This species can reach a maximum total length of 14.1 cm. With a trophic level of 4, it is a mid-level predator. Commercially fished and consumed as food, venomous.

Scientific Name
Cathorops variolosus
Authority
Valenciennes, 1840
Habitat
Freshwater
Climate
Tropical
Max Length
14.1 cm
Trophic Level
4
Resilience
High
Vulnerability
16.00/100
Salinity
0–0.5 ppt

🔬 Taxonomy

Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Teleostei
Teleostei
Order
Siluriformes
Siluriformes
Family
Ariidae
Ariidae
Genus
Cathorops
Cathorops
Species
Cathorops Variolosus
Cathorops variolosus

🐟 Physical Description

Physical description for Cathorops Variolosus is currently being compiled.

🌀 Behaviour

Behavioural data for Cathorops Variolosus is currently being reviewed.

🦐 Diet

small fish
crustaceans
cephalopods

🥚 Reproduction

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

🌍 Habitat & Distribution

Freshwater; demersal. Tropical South America: French Guiana.

🌿 Ecology

Zone Preferences
💧 Freshwater ⬇️ Benthic
Trophic Level
4±0.7

📐 Morphometrics

Length–Weight Relationship: W = 0.00468 × L3.13 (TL)
Max TL
14.1cm

🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance

Salinity Range
0–0.5ppt

📊 Population Risk & Fisheries

Population Resilience
High
Minimum doubling time
Fishing Vulnerability
16.00/100
Low vulnerability
Trophic Level
4
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 Variolosus 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 Variolosus is currently being compiled from USDA FoodData Central.

🔬 Mercury Safety

Mercury data for Cathorops Variolosus 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

🔬 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

🌐 Names & Taxonomy

Scientific Synonyms

Scientific Name Author Year Status
Arius variolosus Valenciennes 1840 Synonym

🗺️ Global Occurrence Map

Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 1 records indexed .

Occurrence density from GBIF View GBIF records ↗

👥 Community & Contribute

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