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Dave Wilson (1) Jim Tait (3)

Description: Anal spines: 0; Anal soft rays: 16 - 19; Vertebrae: 55 - 57. Total gill rakers 11-14 on last arch. Eye diameter 8.9-15.3% HL. Because of its similarity to N. midgleyi, the remaining diagnosis refers to both N. midgleyorum and N. 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. Reproduction: Large eggs are incubated in the mouth of the male for 5-6 weeks. Diet: Predominantly predatory but becoming a facultative omnivore during the dry season; feed on fish (often bony bream); aquatic and terrestrial insects and their larvae; beetles and crustaceans. Etymology: The genus name Neoarius: Neo means "new" in latin and Arius is Derived from the Greek word Apelos (pronounced Araios) which means "sanctified by the god of war", and refers to the bony structure extending from the skull covering to the powerful thorn of the first dorsal fin ray. The specific name paucus: from the latin for few or less, in reference to its fewer gill rakers and smaller eye as compared to Neoarias midgleyi. Remarks: In some online searches the synonym Sciades paucus is still being used (2020).

Shovelnose catfish

Arius paucus, Sciades paucus

Ariidae

Northern Australia. Roper and Flinders River systems, and other rivers draining into Gulf of Carpentaria, Australia. Type locality: Flinders River near Maxwellton (20º47'S, 142º43'E), Queensland, Australia.

130.0cm TL. (52ins)

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Dave Wilson@aquagreen.com.au/
Froese, R. and D. Pauly. Editors. 2019. FishBase. World Wide Web electronic publication. www.fishbase.org, version (12/2019).
Gomon, M.F. & Bray, D.J. 2020. Arius paucus Kailola 2000, The Beagle. Rec. Mus. Art. Gall. N. Terr. 16: 127-144 Flinders River, near Maxwellton, QLD [20°47’S, 142°43’E]
Kailola, P.J., 2000. Six new species of fork-tailed catfishes (Pisces, Teleostei, Ariidae) from Australia and New Guinea. Beagle, Rec. Mus. Art Galler. North. Territ. 16:127-144.