Peruvian sea catfish
📖 Overview
Peruvian sea catfish (Galeichthys peruvianus) is a ray-finned fish of the family Ariidae. It inhabits marine (saltwater) waters in benthic environments. This species can reach a maximum total length of 35 cm. With a trophic level of 3.6, it is a mid-level predator. It is assessed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. Commercially fished and consumed as food, venomous.
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
This species is distinguished by the following characters: slender head and body, with body posteriorly well tapered; pointed caudal fin lobes, upper lobe longer; long and narrow caudal peduncle; lateral body with silvery to reddish stripe; tooth patches posterior to premaxillary tooth band slightly separated at midline; Anterior gillrakers on first arch 13-15; external skull with shallow, narrow dorsomedian groove, extending from interorbital area to base of supraoccipital; cranial fontanelles (of exposed skull) set within steeply-welled median cranial depression, or fissure, with nearly parallel sides; rugose skull, striate and tuberculate in part; swimbladder angularly heart-shaped and anterior margins more triangular than rounded, longitudinal septum of posterior chamber of swimbladder traversed by one smaller septum; aortic canal on ventral side of Weberian apparatus uncovered by lamellae (no aortic tunnel formed); Müllerian ramus of fourth vertebra with irregularly textured, ovoid, concave facet on ventral side; posterior (humeral) process of the cleithrum broad and blade-like .: fusiform / normal.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Peruvian sea catfish is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; demersal. Tropical; 3°S -
🌿 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
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Peruvian sea catfish 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
Per 100g cooked - Source: USDA FoodData Central
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Protein | 18.1 g |
| Omega-3 (total) | 297 mg |
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Peruvian sea catfish 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Galeichtys peruvianus | Lütken | 1874 | Synonym |
| Tachisurus peruvianus | Lütken | 1874 | Synonym |
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 2 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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