Introduction
Ariopsis seemanni, also known as tete sea catfish, is a species of catfish adapted to marine life. Endemic to the Eastern Pacific, it is found from the southern Gulf of California to northern Peru. It is one of the few catfish species that can thrive in salty coastal waters. It is sometimes caught for its flesh, which is sold fresh or salted.
Who is it?
Morphology
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Type
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Average size35 cm
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Maximum size44 cm
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Type
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Average size35 cm
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Maximum size44 cm
How to recognize This fish ?
This fish has the particularity to possess several pairs of barbels, which allow him to search the bottom and to detect the food thus moved.
This catfish generally reaches 40 cm in length, although some individuals have been reported to exceed 60 cm. It is recognizable by its elongated body with an oval section, and its large eyes, which are advantageous for spotting prey and predators in diverse environments.
Behaviour & Life cycle
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dietcarnivorous
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Sociabilitysolitary
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territorialNo
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Way of livingdiurnal
Ariopsis seemanni is a benthic species that lives near the sea floor, often solitary. Territorial during breeding, it actively hunts small fish, crustaceans, and other invertebrates. Its large eyes provide good vision in turbid coastal or estuarine waters.
Reproduction
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Reproductionovipare incubateur buccal paternel
Oviparous with paternal mouthbrooding, the male protects the eggs in its mouth until they hatch, thus keeping them safe from predators. This rare form of parental care among catfish ensures high survival rates of the young.
Risks for humans
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VenomousNo
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StingYes
Ariopsis seemanni is a non-dangerous species, but it can cause minor injuries with its dorsal and pectoral spines if handled.
Origin and distribution
Geographic distribution & Conservation
The species is widely distributed along the South American Pacific coast, from Mexico to Peru. It is locally abundant in certain areas, such as the mangroves of Costa Rica, where it can represent a significant portion of the fish biomass.
Conservation status of populations (IUCN)
Where to see this species?
What is its habitat?
Natural environment characteristics
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Temperature22 - 26 °C
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Depth0 - 4 m
Biotope presentation
Ariopsis seemanni inhabits diverse habitats: coastal waters up to 20 m deep, estuaries, mangroves, and sometimes river mouths. This ecological plasticity explains its abundance in certain modified environments.
To go further
To read on the web
Sources & Contributions
Participation & Validation
The Fishipedia team and specialist contributors are committed to providing high-quality content. However, although the information comes from scientific sources or testimonials from specialists, the cards may contain inaccuracies.
Adrien Falzon
Translation
Translation done with the valuable contribution of our translators, who make this information available to a wider audience. We sincerely thank them for their commitment.
Marine Kassel
Where to see this species?
Scientific partners
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