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💧 Freshwater Data Deficient ⚠️ Venomous ⚡ Traumatogenic 🌡️ Tropical

Spoon-snouted catfish

Doiichthys novaeguineae Weber, 1913
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Max Length
15 cm
Max Weight
-
Lifespan
-
Trophic Level
3.4
Depth
-
Climate
Tropical
Resilience
High
Vulnerability
18.00/100
Typical Length
-
Depth Zone
demersal

📖 Overview

Spoon-snouted catfish (Doiichthys novaeguineae), first described by Weber, 1913 is a medium-sized fish. Adults typically reach 15.00 cm in maximum length. It inhabits freshwater systems including rivers, streams, and lakes. It occurs in Tropical 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 venomous and potentially dangerous to handle.

Scientific Name
Doiichthys novaeguineae
Authority
Weber, 1913
Habitat
Freshwater
Climate
Tropical
Body Shape
Elongated
IUCN Status
DD
Max Length
15 cm
Trophic Level
3.4
Resilience
High
Vulnerability
18.00/100

🔬 Taxonomy

Genus
Doiichthys
Doiichthys
Species
Spoon-snouted catfish
Doiichthys novaeguineae

🐟 Physical Description

Dorsal spines (total): 1; Dorsal soft rays (total): 7; Anal spines: 0; Anal soft rays: 29 - 33. : elongated.

🌀 Behaviour

Behavioural data for Spoon-snouted catfish is currently being reviewed.

🦐 Diet

aquatic invertebrates
small fish
algae
detritus

🥚 Reproduction

🐣 Oviparous
Spawning Season
spring
Spawn Location
Substrate
Fertilization
External

🌍 Habitat & Distribution

Freshwater; brackish; demersal. Tropical; 4°S - 10°S

🌿 Ecology

Zone Preferences
💧 Freshwater 🌿 Brackish ⬇️ Benthic
Trophic Level
3.4±0.4

📐 Morphometrics

Length–Weight Relationship: W = 0.00468 × L3.13 (TL)
Max TL
15cm
Dorsal Spines
1
Dorsal Rays
7
Anal Rays
31

🛡️ Conservation Assessment

IUCN Category
Data Deficient
Assessment Date
2019

📊 Population Risk & Fisheries

Population Resilience
High
Minimum doubling time
Fishing Vulnerability
18.00/100
Low vulnerability
Trophic Level
3.4
Predator
Body Shape
Elongated
Climate Zone
Tropical
Described By
Weber, 1913

⚠️ 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 neurotoxin
Delivery
dorsal, anal, and pelvic fin spines
Potency
Severe
Mortality Risk
Low
Symptom Onset
5min
Duration
24.0hrs
Antivenom
✗ Not Available
Named Toxins
high-molecular-weight protein (Stonustoxin analogue) acetylcholine
Symptoms
  • immediate intense pain
  • swelling
  • erythema
  • occasional nausea and weakness
Affected Body Systems
peripheral nervous system cardiovascular
First Aid
Immerse affected area in hot water (45 C, tolerable) for 30-90 minutes to denature toxin. Do not apply ice.
Medical Treatment

Analgesia; wound care; tetanus prophylaxis; severe cases may require monitoring for systemic effects.

References: Compiled from Bhide (2018), Halstead et al. (1988) and family-specific envenomation literature

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