Notarius rugispinis (Valenciennes, 1840)
Softhead sea catfish
photo by MNHN

Family:  Ariidae (Sea catfishes), subfamily: Ariinae
Max. size:  47 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  demersal; brackish; marine
Distribution:  South America: Guyana to Maranhão, Brazil.
Diagnosis:   
Biology:  Coastal, found chiefly in turbid waters of estuaries and around river mouths. Reproduction appears to be between September to November. Egg diameter is 14-15 mm, numbering about 30-35 per female. Males practice mouth brooding (Ref. 35381). Marketed fresh and salted; exported frozen (Ref. 5217).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 16 August 2011 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  traumatogenic


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