Fin's Fish Guide
The Embroidered sea catfish (Amphiarius phrygiatus) is a brackish-water fish of the family Ariidae that grows up to 30 cm.
Description
The embroidered sea catfish is a sea catfish (Ariidae) from turbid coastal and estuarine water of the western Atlantic off Brazil. The species grows to about 30 cm and has a sturdy, greyish, scaleless body with three pairs of barbels and an adipose fin. As a bottom-dweller it searches over sand and mud for worms, crustaceans and small fish; the male broods the large eggs in his mouth. The dorsal and pectoral spines are venomous and can give a painful puncture wound.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Embroidered sea catfish?
The Embroidered sea catfish has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Venomous, serrated fin spines; the male broods the eggs in its mouth (estuarine dweller).
Where does the Embroidered sea catfish live?
The Embroidered sea catfish lives in brackish water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Turbid estuaries and mangrove lagoons of eastern South America.
How big does the Embroidered sea catfish get?
The Embroidered sea catfish grows to a maximum of about 30 cm.
Is the Embroidered sea catfish dangerous to humans?
The Embroidered sea catfish is venomous — handle spines with care and seek medical help after a sting if needed. For a sting from a fin spine: rinse the wound, remove any visible spine fragments and immerse the part for 30-90 minutes in water as hot as can be tolerated (about 45 C) to break down the venom. The pain can be severe. For marked swelling, a retained spine or signs of infection seek medical care and check tetanus status.
Is the Embroidered sea catfish edible?
The Embroidered sea catfish is rarely eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Amphiarius
More from the family Ariidae
Want the complete picture on the Embroidered sea catfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Embroidered sea catfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.