Tollo
📖 Overview
Tollo (Diplomystes chilensis), first described by Molina, 1782 is a medium-sized fish in the family Diplomystidae (order Siluriformes). Adults typically reach 23.00 cm in maximum length. It inhabits freshwater systems including rivers, streams, and lakes. It occurs in Subtropical waters. It feeds on a mix of small fish and invertebrates as a mid-level predator. On the IUCN Red List, it is classified as Data Deficient.The species is important as a food fish and valued as a game and sport species. As a member of the Diplomystidae, it shares life-history and morphological traits with its relatives in the group.
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 2; Dorsal soft rays (total): 7; Anal soft rays: 12 - 15; Vertebrae: 41 - 43.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Tollo is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Freshwater; demersal. Subtropical; 17°S - 56°S South America: Rivers near Valparaiso and Santiago, central Chile.
🌿 Ecology
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🎣 Angling Guide
- medium-heavy 7ft spinning rod
- 30-50 lb braid
- fluorocarbon leader
- grass flats
- oyster bars
- marsh drains
- deeper channel edges
Use barbless hooks, minimise air exposure, and revive fish head-first in current before release.
⚠️ Slot limits protect breeding-size fish. Verify daily bag limits.
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Tollo 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 Tollo is currently being compiled from USDA FoodData Central.
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Tollo 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| - | - | - |
🌐 Names & Taxonomy
Scientific Synonyms
| Scientific Name | Author | Year | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arius cacharioides | Leybold | 1859 | Synonym |
| Arius carcharioides | Leybold | 1859 | Synonym |
| Arius micropterus | Philippi | 1866 | Heterotypic |
| Arius papillosus | Valenciennes | 1840 | Synonym |
| Arius squalus | Philippi | 1866 | Synonym |
| Arius synodon | Philippi | 1866 | Heterotypic |
| Arius villosus | Philippi | 1866 | Heterotypic |
| Diplomystes papillosus | Valenciennes | 1840 | Synonym |
| Silurus chilensis | Molina | 1782 | Synonym |
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 3 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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