Fin's Fish Guide
The Tete sea catfish (Ariopsis seemanni) is a fish that lives in both fresh and salt water of the family Ariidae that grows up to 44 cm.
Eastern Pacific; coastal seas, brackish water and lower reaches of rivers.
Description
The Tete sea catfish is a sea catfish (Ariidae) from the eastern Pacific. The species has a silvery-grey, streamlined body with a high, shark-like dorsal fin and barbels. It is common in coastal seas and brackish water and ascends the middle and lower reaches of rivers to about 25 m above sea level. As an omnivore it searches the bottom with its barbels for crustaceans, molluscs, worms and small fishes. The male incubates the large eggs in its mouth. The pectoral and dorsal fin spines are venomous and give a painful puncture wound.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Tete sea catfish?
The Tete sea catfish has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Shark-like dorsal fin; the male broods the eggs in its mouth; venomous pectoral and dorsal fin spines.
Where does the Tete sea catfish live?
The Tete sea catfish lives in both fresh and salt water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Eastern Pacific; coastal seas, brackish water and lower reaches of rivers.
How big does the Tete sea catfish get?
The Tete sea catfish grows to a maximum of about 44 cm.
Is the Tete sea catfish dangerous to humans?
The Tete sea catfish can cause injury; handle it with care. The fin spines are venomous and give a painful, burning puncture wound. Immerse the wound for 30-90 minutes in water as hot as can be tolerated (about 45 C) and seek medical care if pain or infection persists.
Is the Tete sea catfish edible?
Yes, the Tete sea catfish is commonly eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Ariopsis
More from the family Ariidae
Want the complete picture on the Tete sea catfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Tete sea catfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.