📖 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
🐟 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
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Freshwater; demersal. Tropical South America: French Guiana.
🌿 Ecology
Zone Preferences
💧 Freshwater
⬇️ Benthic
📐 Morphometrics
Length–Weight Relationship:
W = 0.00468 × L3.13
(TL)
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
Population Resilience
High
Minimum doubling time
Fishing Vulnerability
16.00/100
Low vulnerability
Trophic Level
4
Apex / Top predator
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.
Delivery
dorsal and pectoral spines with venom glands
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
.