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Diadromous Least Concern ⚠️ Venomous ⚡ Traumatogenic 🌡️ Tropical

Armoured sea catfish

Hemiarius stormii Bleeker, 1858
Max Length
50 cm
Max Weight
-
Lifespan
-
Trophic Level
4
Depth
-
Climate
Tropical
Resilience
Medium
Vulnerability
36.00/100
Typical Length
-
Depth Zone
demersal

📖 Overview

Armoured sea catfish (Hemiarius stormii), first described by Bleeker, 1858 is a large fish in the family Ariidae (order Siluriformes). Adults typically reach 50.00 cm in maximum length. It is diadromous, migrating between freshwater and marine environments during its life cycle. It occurs in Tropical waters. Diet is predominantly piscivorous, targeting other fish and larger prey. On the IUCN Red List, it is classified as Least Concern.The species is venomous and potentially dangerous to handle.

Scientific Name
Hemiarius stormii
Authority
Bleeker, 1858
Habitat
Diadromous
Climate
Tropical
Body Shape
Elongated
IUCN Status
LC
Max Length
50 cm
Trophic Level
4
Resilience
Medium
Vulnerability
36.00/100
Salinity
30–40 ppt

🐟 Physical Description

Head wider than deep; snout pointed; palatine teeth granular .: elongated.

🌀 Behaviour

Behavioural data for Armoured sea catfish is currently being reviewed.

🦐 Diet

small fish
crustaceans
cephalopods

🥚 Reproduction

🐣 Oviparous 📦 Batch Spawner 👄 Mouth Brooder
Spawning Season
spring
Spawn Location
Substrate
Fertilization
External

Male carries the eggs in his mouth until hatching.

🌍 Habitat & Distribution

Marine; freshwater; brackish; demersal. Tropical

🌿 Ecology

Zone Preferences
🌊 Marine 💧 Freshwater 🌿 Brackish ⬇️ Benthic
Trophic Level
4±0.59
Food Items

invertebrates and small fishes (Ref

📐 Morphometrics

Length–Weight Relationship: W = 0.00468 × L3.13 (TL)
Max TL
50cm

🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance

Salinity Range
30–40ppt

🛡️ Conservation Assessment

IUCN Category
Least Concern
Assessment Date
2020

📊 Population Risk & Fisheries

Population Resilience
Medium
Minimum doubling time
Fishing Vulnerability
36.00/100
Moderate vulnerability
Trophic Level
4
Apex / Top predator
Body Shape
Elongated
Climate Zone
Tropical
Described By
Bleeker, 1858

⚠️ 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
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

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