Fin's Fish Guide
The Steindachner's sea catfish (Cathorops steindachneri) is a fish that lives in both fresh and salt water of the family Ariidae that grows up to 36 cm.
North America: Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua and others
Description
The Steindachner's sea catfish is a sea catfish (Ariidae) from turbid coastal and estuarine water of the eastern Pacific. The species grows to about 35 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, molluscs 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 Steindachner's sea catfish?
The Steindachner's sea catfish has a torpedo-shaped body and is mainly silver-grey. Bears venomous spines or tissue; handle with great care.
Where does the Steindachner's sea catfish live?
The Steindachner's sea catfish lives in both fresh and salt water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. North America: Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua and others
How big does the Steindachner's sea catfish get?
The Steindachner's sea catfish grows to a maximum of about 36 cm. On average the species is around 20 cm.
Is the Steindachner's sea catfish dangerous to humans?
The Steindachner's 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 Steindachner's sea catfish edible?
Yes, the Steindachner's sea catfish is commonly eaten.
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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 Steindachner's sea catfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Steindachner's sea catfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.