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Neoarius paucus (Kailola 2000)

Image contributors to this species:

Dave Wilson (1) Jim Tait (3)

ScotCat Sources:

Other Sources:

Relevant Information:

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. midgleyorum, 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. Remarks: In some online sources the synonym Sciades paucus is still being used (2020).

Common Name:

Shovelnose catfish

Synonyms:

Arius paucus, Sciades paucus

Family:

Ariidae

Distribution:

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.

Size:

130cm TL. (52ins)

Temp:

p.H.

Reference:

Dave [email protected]/
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.

Family: Ariidae Back to Ident-A-Cat Click on Thumbnails

Neoarius paucus

Neoarius paucus
Showing the tooth patches in the roof of the mouth-Westmoreland Gorge, Lagoon Creek, Queensland

Neoarius paucus
Dorsal head view-Pioneer Lagoon, Lagoon Creek, Queensland

Neoarius paucus
Pioneer Lagoon, Lagoon Creek, Queensland

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