Hardhead sea catfish (Ariopsis felis) fish species and information / pictures of Hardhead sea catfish - Ariopsis felis

Hardhead sea catfish (Ariopsis felis) fish species information

Scientific Name
Ariopsis felis

Common Name
Hardhead sea catfish

Biology
Adults inhabit continental waters and enters estuaries. Found in turbid waters over muddy bottoms. Males incubate eggs in the mouth (Ref. 205). Commonly captured from catwalks, bridges and piers, particularly in passes and inland waterways. Edible, but generally not consumed (Ref. 7251).

Classification

Classified By
Linnaeus, 1766
Class
Ray-finned fishes (Actinopterygii)
Order
Catfish (Siluriformes)
Family
Sea catfishes (Ariidae)

Distribution

Region
Western Atlantic
Distribution
Western Atlantic: Massachusetts and northern Gulf of Mexico to southern Florida in USA and Mexico.
Range
43°N - 18°N

Environment

Climate
Subtropical
Water Temperature From
Unknown °C
Water Temperature To
Unknown °C
Depth From - meters
Unknown m
Depth To - meters
Unknown m
Zone
reef-associated
Environment
Marine; brackish; reef-associated
Trophic Level
3.29 s.e. 0.55 Based on diet studies.
Occurs in Marine / Salt water
True
Occurs in Brackish water
True
Occurs in Fresh Water
False
Occurs on Reefs
True
Is kept in Aquariums
False

Physical Size and Genetics

Maximum Length
70.0 cm
Common Length
25.0 cm
Phylogenetic Diversity Index
PD50 = 0.5625 many relatives (e.g. carps) 0.5 - 2.0 few relatives (e.g. lungfishes)

Human Uses and Population

Human Uses
Fisheries: minor commercial; gamefish: yes
Vulnerability
High vulnerability (56 of 100)
Resilience
Low, minimum population doubling time 4.5 - 14 years (Fec=55)
Threat To Humans
  Traumatogenic (Ref. 58010)
IUCN Red List Status
  Not Evaluated