Cathorops steindachneri (Gilbert & Starks, 1904)
Steindachner's sea catfish
photo by Allen, G.R.

Family:  Ariidae (Sea catfishes), subfamily: Ariinae
Max. size:  36 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  demersal; freshwater; brackish; marine
Distribution:  Central America: Pacific draining rivers and estuaries.
Diagnosis:  Body somewhat elongate; mouth sub-terminal; cephalic plate prominent, granulated, and rough; pre-dorsal plate narrow; pre-maxillary teeth villiform; vomerine teeth lacking; palate with molariform teeth set in two separate sub-oval plates; inner edge of pectoral spine coarsely notched; caudal fin lobes long, thin, and pointed, about the same length as the head; body dark brown; belly white; flanks silvery blue (iridescent); fins dark or black; barbels dark brown (Ref. 55763).
Biology:  Found in marine, brackish and fresh waters (Ref. 9271). Rarely consumed due to its small size (Ref. 9271).
IUCN Red List Status: Data deficient (DD); Date assessed: 23 May 2007 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  traumatogenic


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