Dorsal spines (total): 1; Dorsal soft rays (total): 7; Anal spines: 0; Anal soft rays: 14 - 15. Body dark blue dorsally, silvery white ventrally. Dorsal fin, adipose fin, soft ray of pectoral fin and maxillary barbel dark blue. Posterior margins of caudal and anal fins slightly blackish .: fusiform / normal.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for White sea catfish is currently being
reviewed.
🦐 Diet
aquatic invertebrates
small fish
algae
detritus
🥚 Reproduction
Size at Maturity
41.5cm TL
Males carry the eggs in their mouth .
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; brackish; demersal; oceanodromous ; depth range 8 - 33 m . Subtropical; 4°S - 37°S, 61°W - 34°W Southwest Atlantic: Atlantic coast from La Plata basin to eastern Brazil.
ArgentinaBrazilChileUruguay
🌿 Ecology
Zone Preferences
🌊 Marine🌿 Brackish⬇️ Benthic
Migration
Oceanodromous
Trophic Level
3.8±0.4
📐 Morphometrics
Length–Weight Relationship:
W = 0.00759 × L3.07
(TL)
Max TL
120cm
Dorsal Spines
1
Dorsal Rays
7
Anal Rays
15
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
Salinity Range
30–40ppt
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
Population Resilience
Low
Minimum doubling time
Fishing Vulnerability
69.00/100
High vulnerability
Trophic Level
3.8
Predator
Body Shape
Fusiform / normal
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Described By
Lacepède, 1803
⚠️ 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
crinotoxinsprotein 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
"White sea catfish 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
BakingGrillingPan-frying
⚡ Nutrition
Per 100g cooked - Source: USDA FoodData Central
Nutrient
Amount
Protein
18.4 g
Omega-3 (total)
342 mg
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for White sea catfish 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)