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💧 Freshwater Least Concern 🍽️ Edible 🌡️ Tropical

Black band catfish

Osteogaster zygata Eigenmann & Allen, 1942
🍽️ Seafood Guide 👩‍🍳 Recipes ← All Species
Max Length
5.6 cm
Max Weight
-
Lifespan
-
Trophic Level
3
Depth
-
Climate
Tropical
Resilience
High
Vulnerability
10.00/100
Typical Length
-
Depth Zone
demersal

📖 Overview

Black band catfish (Osteogaster zygata), first described by Eigenmann & Allen, 1942 is a small fish. Adults typically reach 5.60 cm in maximum length. It inhabits freshwater systems including rivers, streams, and lakes. It occurs in Tropical waters. It is broadly omnivorous, taking invertebrates, plant matter, and detritus. On the IUCN Red List, it is classified as Least Concern.The species is important as a food fish.

Scientific Name
Osteogaster zygata
Authority
Eigenmann & Allen, 1942
Habitat
Freshwater
Climate
Tropical
IUCN Status
LC
Max Length
5.6 cm
Trophic Level
3
Resilience
High
Vulnerability
10.00/100
Water Temp
22–25 °C
Salinity
0–0.5 ppt

🔬 Taxonomy

Genus
Osteogaster
Osteogaster
Species
Black band catfish
Osteogaster zygata

🐟 Physical Description

Physical description for Black band catfish is currently being compiled.

🌀 Behaviour

Behavioural data for Black band catfish is currently being reviewed.

🦐 Diet

aquatic invertebrates
small fish
algae
detritus

🥚 Reproduction

🐣 Oviparous
Spawning Season
spring
Spawn Location
Substrate
Fertilization
External

🌍 Habitat & Distribution

Freshwater; demersal; pH range: 6.0 - 8.0; dH range: 2 - 25. Tropical; 22°C - 25°C South America: western Amazon River basin.

🌿 Ecology

Zone Preferences
💧 Freshwater ⬇️ Benthic
Trophic Level
3±0.3

📐 Morphometrics

Length–Weight Relationship: W = 0.00741 × L3.14 (TL)
Max TL
5.6cm

🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance

Temperature Range
22–25°C
pH Range
6–8
Salinity Range
0–0.5ppt

🛡️ Conservation Assessment

IUCN Category
Least Concern
Assessment Date
2020

📊 Population Risk & Fisheries

Population Resilience
High
Minimum doubling time
Fishing Vulnerability
10.00/100
Low vulnerability
Trophic Level
3
Predator
Climate Zone
Tropical
Described By
Eigenmann & Allen, 1942

🍽️ Edibility & Flavour

"Osteogaster Zygata 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
Baking Grilling Pan-frying

⚡ Nutrition

Detailed nutritional data for Black band catfish is currently being compiled from USDA FoodData Central.

🔬 Mercury Safety

Mercury data for Black band 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

📊 Population Dynamics

Year Region Index Notes
- - -

👥 Community & Contribute

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🍽️
Seafood Guide
Black band catfish: Edibility, Nutrition & Safety
👩‍🍳
Recipes
Black band catfish Recipes