Scientific Name
Bagre marinus

Common Name
Gafftopsail sea catfish

Biology
Mainly marine but enters brackish estuaries with relatively high salinities (Ref. 5217). Feeds mainly on small fishes and invertebrates. The dorsal and pectoral fins are equipped with a serrated erectile spine, both of which are venomous. Commonly caught by anglers along bridges, piers and catwalks. Flesh considered good; marketed fresh (Ref. 5217). Minimum depth reported taken from Ref. 57178.

Classification

Classified By

Mitchill, 1815

Class

Ray-finned fishes (Actinopterygii)

Order

Catfish (Siluriformes)

Family

Sea catfishes (Ariidae)

Distribution

Region

Western Atlantic

Distribution

Western Atlantic: coast of Gulf of Mexico, Cuba, western margin of the Caribbean, and the northern margin of South America. Sometimes in rivers and estuaries.

Range

43°N - 8°N

Environment

Climate

Subtropical

Water Temperature From

Unknown °C

Water Temperature To

Unknown °C

Depth From - meters

0 m

Depth To - meters

50 m

Zone

demersal

Environment

Marine; brackish; demersal; depth range 0 - 50 m (Ref. 5217)

Trophic Level

3.28 s.e. 0.54 Based on diet studies.

Occurs in Marine / Salt water

True

Occurs in Brackish water

True

Occurs in Fresh Water

False

Occurs on Reefs

False

Is kept in Aquariums

False

Physical Size and Genetics

Maximum Length

69.0 cm

Common Length

50.0 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: commercial; gamefish: yes

Vulnerability

High vulnerability (56 of 100)

Resilience

Low, minimum population doubling time 4.5 - 14 years (Fec = 70)

Threat To Humans

Venomous (Ref. 4690)

IUCN Red List Status

Not Evaluated