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💧 Freshwater Least Concern ⚠️ Venomous ⚡ Traumatogenic 🌡️ Tropical

Short barbelled catfish

Megalosciades augustus Roberts, 1978
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Max Length
60 cm
Max Weight
-
Lifespan
-
Trophic Level
4.5
Depth
-
Climate
Tropical
Resilience
Medium
Vulnerability
51.00/100
Typical Length
-
Depth Zone
-

📖 Overview

Short barbelled catfish (Megalosciades augustus), first described by Roberts, 1978 is a large fish. Adults typically reach 60.00 cm in maximum length. It inhabits freshwater systems including rivers, streams, and lakes. 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
Megalosciades augustus
Authority
Roberts, 1978
Habitat
Freshwater
Climate
Tropical
IUCN Status
LC
Max Length
60 cm
Trophic Level
4.5
Resilience
Medium
Vulnerability
51.00/100
Salinity
0–0.5 ppt

🔬 Taxonomy

Genus
Megalosciades
Megalosciades
Species
Short barbelled catfish
Megalosciades augustus

🐟 Physical Description

Dorsal spines (total): 1; Dorsal soft rays (total): 7; Anal spines: 0; Anal soft rays: 20 - 22.

🌀 Behaviour

Behavioural data for Short barbelled catfish is currently being reviewed.

🦐 Diet

small fish
crustaceans
cephalopods

🥚 Reproduction

🐣 Oviparous
Spawning Season
spring
Spawn Location
Substrate
Fertilization
External

🌍 Habitat & Distribution

Freshwater; benthopelagic. Tropical; 5°S - 9°S

🌿 Ecology

Zone Preferences
💧 Freshwater
Trophic Level
4.5±0.8

📐 Morphometrics

Length–Weight Relationship: W = 0.00468 × L3.13 (TL)
Max TL
60cm
Dorsal Spines
1
Dorsal Rays
7
Anal Rays
21

🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance

Salinity Range
0–0.5ppt

🛡️ Conservation Assessment

IUCN Category
Least Concern
Assessment Date
2019

📊 Population Risk & Fisheries

Population Resilience
Medium
Minimum doubling time
Fishing Vulnerability
51.00/100
Moderate-High vulnerability
Trophic Level
4.5
Apex / Top predator
Climate Zone
Tropical
Described By
Roberts, 1978

⚠️ 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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