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Diadromous ⚠️ Venomous ⚡ Traumatogenic 🌡️ Tropical

Arafura catfish

Pararius proximus Ogilby, 1898
Max Length
46 cm
Max Weight
-
Lifespan
-
Trophic Level
4.1
Depth
-
Climate
Tropical
Resilience
Medium
Vulnerability
45.00/100
Typical Length
-
Depth Zone
demersal

📖 Overview

Arafura catfish (Pararius proximus), first described by Ogilby, 1898 is a large fish. Adults typically reach 46.00 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. The species is venomous and potentially dangerous to handle.

Scientific Name
Pararius proximus
Authority
Ogilby, 1898
Habitat
Diadromous
Climate
Tropical
Max Length
46 cm
Trophic Level
4.1
Resilience
Medium
Vulnerability
45.00/100
Salinity
30–40 ppt

🔬 Taxonomy

Genus
Pararius
Pararius
Species
Arafura catfish
Pararius proximus

🐟 Physical Description

Physical description for Arafura catfish is currently being compiled.

🌀 Behaviour

Behavioural data for Arafura catfish is currently being reviewed.

🦐 Diet

small fish
crustaceans
cephalopods

🥚 Reproduction

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

🌍 Habitat & Distribution

Marine; freshwater; brackish; demersal. Tropical

🌿 Ecology

Zone Preferences
🌊 Marine 💧 Freshwater 🌿 Brackish ⬇️ Benthic
Trophic Level
4.1±0.3

📐 Morphometrics

Length–Weight Relationship: W = 0.00794 × L3.08 (TL)
Max TL
46cm

🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance

Salinity Range
30–40ppt

📊 Population Risk & Fisheries

Population Resilience
Medium
Minimum doubling time
Fishing Vulnerability
45.00/100
Moderate vulnerability
Trophic Level
4.1
Apex / Top 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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