Fin's Fish Guide
The Pemecou sea catfish (Sciades passany) is a brackish-water fish of the family Ariidae that grows up to 100 cm.
South America: Brazil, French Guiana, Guyana, Suriname, Trinidad Tobago, Venezuela
Description
The Pemecou sea catfish is a large sea catfish (Ariidae) from coastal and estuarine water of the western Atlantic, off northern South America. The species grows to about 1 metre and has a streamlined, greyish body with a broad head and three pairs of barbels. The pectoral and dorsal fins each carry a stout, serrated spine linked to venom. As a bottom-oriented omnivore it searches sand and mud bottoms for invertebrates, small fish and plant material; the male broods the eggs in its mouth. A sting is very painful; handle with care.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Pemecou sea catfish?
The Pemecou sea catfish has an elongate, eel-like body and is mainly silver-grey. Bears venomous spines or tissue; handle with great care.
Where does the Pemecou sea catfish live?
The Pemecou sea catfish lives in brackish water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. South America: Brazil, French Guiana, Guyana, Suriname, Trinidad Tobago, Venezuela
How big does the Pemecou sea catfish get?
The Pemecou sea catfish grows to a maximum of about 100 cm. On average the species is around 50 cm.
Is the Pemecou sea catfish dangerous to humans?
The Pemecou sea catfish is venomous — handle spines with care and seek medical help after a sting if needed. Do not touch or pick up; the fin spines carry venom. For a sting: immerse the wound in water as hot as can be tolerated (about 45 C, not scalding) for 30-90 minutes to break down the venom. For severe pain, swelling or breathing difficulty seek medical help and check tetanus status.
Is the Pemecou sea catfish edible?
Yes, the Pemecou sea catfish is commonly eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Sciades
More from the family Ariidae
Want the complete picture on the Pemecou sea catfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Pemecou sea catfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.