Fin's Fish Guide
The Bressou sea catfish (Aspistor quadriscutis) is a brackish-water fish of the family Ariidae that grows up to 50 cm.
Description
Aspistor quadriscutis is a sea catfish of the family Ariidae from coastal waters of eastern South America. The species has an elongate, greyish body with barbels and a bony armoured head shield, and lives on muddy bottoms of turbid estuaries, mangrove lagoons and the lower reaches of rivers, tolerating strongly varying salinities. As a bottom dweller it feeds on benthic animals, crustaceans and small fishes. The dorsal and pectoral fins bear a serrated, venomous spine that can cause painful puncture wounds. Like other sea catfishes the male broods the relatively large eggs in its mouth. The species is of local fishery importance.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Bressou sea catfish?
The Bressou sea catfish has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Bony head shield and venomous fin spines; the male broods the eggs in its mouth.
Where does the Bressou sea catfish live?
The Bressou sea catfish lives in brackish water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Estuaries and mangrove lagoons of eastern South America.
How big does the Bressou sea catfish get?
The Bressou sea catfish grows to a maximum of about 50 cm. On average the species is around 30 cm.
Is the Bressou sea catfish dangerous to humans?
The Bressou sea catfish is venomous — handle spines with care and seek medical help after a sting if needed. The serrated dorsal and pectoral spines are venomous and can cause painful puncture wounds. Rinse the wound, remove any remaining material and immerse it for 30-90 minutes in water as hot as can be tolerated (about 45 °C); seek medical help in case of severe pain or infection.
Is the Bressou sea catfish edible?
The Bressou sea catfish is rarely eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Aspistor
More from the family Ariidae
Want the complete picture on the Bressou sea catfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Bressou sea catfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.