Sawspine catfish (Neoarius pectoralis) 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 39.3 cm. With a trophic level of 3.6, it is a mid-level predator. Venomous.
Dorsal spines (total): 1; Dorsal soft rays (total): 7; Anal spines: 0; Anal soft rays: 18 - 22; Vertebrae: 51. Palatal teeth in two oblique, oval patches; one on each side of palate, well separated. Snout acute; lips fleshy, crenulate; lower jaw truncate. Head shield granular; dorsomedian head groove lanceolate, narrow distally. Eye large, 17-28% HL. Large, flattened serrae along inner margin of pectoral spine; caudal fin lobes slender, acute. Rakers present along posterior face of all gill arches. Distinct, blackish margin on dorsal, pectoral and inner caudal fins .
Behavioural data for Sawspine catfish is currently being reviewed.
Marine; brackish; demersal. Tropical Central Pacific: Irian Jaya and Australia.
Wound care, analgesia.
References: Compiled from Bhide (2018), Halstead et al. (1988) and family-specific envenomation literature
| Language | Common Names |
|---|---|
| 🇬🇧English | Sawspine Catfish · Sawspined Catfish |
| 🌍CES | křížovec chapmanský |
| Scientific Name | Author | Year | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ariopsis pectoralis | Kailola | 2000 | Synonym |
| Arius pectoralis | Kailola | 2000 | Synonym |
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 2 records indexed .
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