Threadfin sea catfish facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Threadfin sea catfish |
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Arius
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| Species: |
arius
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The threadfin sea catfish (Arius arius) is a type of sea catfish. It's also known by other names like Hamilton's catfish or marine catfish. This fish belongs to a family called Ariidae.
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About the Threadfin Sea Catfish
This interesting fish was first described in 1822 by a scientist named Francis Buchanan-Hamilton. He originally placed it in a different group called Pimelodus.
The threadfin sea catfish can grow up to 40 centimeters (about 16 inches) long. However, it's more common to see them around 15 centimeters (about 6 inches) in length.
Where Does It Live?
The threadfin sea catfish is a migratory fish. This means it travels from one place to another. You can find it in warm, tropical waters. It lives in both salty ocean water and brackish water, which is a mix of fresh and salt water.
These fish are found in the Indo-western Pacific region. This huge area includes many countries like:
- Bangladesh
- India
- Cambodia
- Malaysia
- Philippines
- Pakistan
- Sri Lanka
- Myanmar
- Hong Kong
- Thailand
- Vietnam
- China
What Does It Eat?
The threadfin sea catfish has a varied diet. It enjoys eating other smaller fish, especially those from the Stolephorus group. It also eats fish called silver bellies.
Besides fish, its diet includes:
- Crabs
- Mollusks (like snails and clams)
- Prawns
- Other small creatures without backbones (invertebrates)
Why Is This Fish Important?
The threadfin sea catfish is important for fisheries. This means people catch it for food and for selling. It's a fish that helps support local fishing communities.
Is It Endangered?
The IUCN Red List is a list that tells us about the conservation status of different species. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) currently lists the threadfin sea catfish as "Least Concern."
This means that for now, there are no major worries about this fish disappearing. It's found in many places, and scientists don't know of any big threats to its population. However, the IUCN also says that more research is needed. They want to understand how much fishing affects the number of these fish. This information could lead to a new assessment in the future.
