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🌊 Marine ⚠️ Venomous ⚡ Traumatogenic 🌡️ Tropical

Master's catfish

Pararius mastersi Ogilby, 1898
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Max Length
51 cm
Max Weight
-
Lifespan
-
Trophic Level
3.4
Depth
-
Climate
Tropical
Resilience
Medium
Vulnerability
36.00/100
Typical Length
-
Depth Zone
demersal

📖 Overview

Master's catfish (Pararius mastersi) is a ray-finned fish. It inhabits marine (saltwater) waters in benthic environments. This species can reach a maximum total length of 51 cm. With a trophic level of 3.4, it is a low-level carnivore, feeding on invertebrates and small organisms. Venomous.

Scientific Name
Pararius mastersi
Authority
Ogilby, 1898
Habitat
Marine
Climate
Tropical
Max Length
51 cm
Trophic Level
3.4
Resilience
Medium
Vulnerability
36.00/100
Salinity
30–40 ppt

🔬 Taxonomy

Genus
Pararius
Pararius
Species
Master's catfish
Pararius mastersi

🐟 Physical Description

Physical description for Master's catfish is currently being compiled.

🌀 Behaviour

Behavioural data for Master's catfish is currently being reviewed.

🦐 Diet

aquatic invertebrates
small fish
algae
detritus

🥚 Reproduction

🐣 Oviparous 📦 Batch Spawner
Spawning Season
spring-summer
Spawn Location
Pelagic
Fertilization
External

🌍 Habitat & Distribution

Marine; brackish; demersal. Tropical west Pacific: Papua New Guinea and Australia.

🌿 Ecology

Zone Preferences
🌊 Marine 🌿 Brackish ⬇️ Benthic
Trophic Level
3.4±0.4

📐 Morphometrics

Length–Weight Relationship: W = 0.00468 × L3.13 (TL)
Max TL
51cm

🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance

Salinity Range
30–40ppt

📊 Population Risk & Fisheries

Population Resilience
Medium
Minimum doubling time
Fishing Vulnerability
36.00/100
Moderate vulnerability
Trophic Level
3.4
Predator
Climate Zone
Tropical
Described By
Ogilby, 1898

⚠️ 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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