Fin's Fish Guide
The Madamango sea catfish (Cathorops spixii) is a brackish-water fish of the family Ariidae that grows up to 30 cm.
Description
The madamango sea catfish (Cathorops spixii) is a small sea catfish of the family Ariidae from coastal waters of eastern South America. The species has a streamlined, greyish body with barbels around the mouth and reaches about 30 cm. It occurs in shallow coastal seas and brackish estuaries, lagoons and river mouths, and tolerates even hypersaline water. The diet consists mainly of invertebrates and small fishes; juveniles eat amphipods, isopods and copepods. The dorsal and pectoral fins bear a serrated, venomous spine that can cause painful puncture wounds. Like other sea catfishes the male broods the eggs in its mouth. The species is eaten locally.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Madamango sea catfish?
The Madamango 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; even tolerates hypersaline water.
Where does the Madamango sea catfish live?
The Madamango sea catfish lives in brackish water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Shallow coastal seas and brackish estuaries of eastern South America.
How big does the Madamango sea catfish get?
The Madamango sea catfish grows to a maximum of about 30 cm. On average the species is around 20 cm.
Is the Madamango sea catfish dangerous to humans?
The Madamango sea catfish can cause injury; handle it with care. The serrated fin 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 Madamango sea catfish edible?
The Madamango sea catfish is rarely eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Cathorops
More from the family Ariidae
Want the complete picture on the Madamango sea catfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Madamango sea catfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.