| Family: |
Ariidae (Sea catfishes), subfamily: Ariinae |
| Max. size: |
140 cm SL (male/unsexed) |
| Environment: |
benthopelagic; freshwater; brackish |
| Distribution: |
Oceania: northern Australia. |
| Diagnosis: |
Anal soft rays: 16-19; Vertebrae: 55-57. Eye size 12.9-21.8% HL. Because of its similarity to A. paucus, the remaining diagnosis refers to both A. midgleyi and A. paucus: a sleek body; strong jaws; jaws upturned slightly at symphyses, mouth broad; snout truncate in profile; head oblong, its width averaging 66% HL. Supraoccipital process narrow with parallel margins. Numerous fine, sharp teeth on palate in transverse band of four oblong groups. No rakers on posterior aspect of gill arches. Barbels thin and short, rarely reaching beyond pectoral fin base and less than 25% SL (Ref. 40908). |
| Biology: |
Inhabits in lakes, billabongs, rivers and to a lesser extent brackish estuaries and the tidal portion of rivers. Found in clear or turbid fresh water reservoirs and waterholes. Water is typically warm (23-35°C), with pH between 7.0-8.7 (Ref. 44894). Feeds mainly on fishes, prawns and crayfish. Various arthropods are also consumed. Breeds early in the wet season, sometimes extending into the late wet (November to March). Eggs are incubated orally by the male for 5-6 weeks; brooding males form groups in deeper water. Juveniles grow quickly, attaining 20-30 centimeters by the end of the first year, and sexual maturity is reached after 3 years. An excellent eating fish, rapidly growing in popularity (Ref. 44894). |
| IUCN Red List Status: |
Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 12 February 2019 Ref. (130435)
|
| Threat to humans: |
traumatogenic |
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