Neoarius pectoralis (Kailola, 2000)
Sawspine catfish

Family:  Ariidae (Sea catfishes), subfamily: Ariinae
Max. size:  39.3 cm FL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  demersal; brackish; marine
Distribution:  Western Central Pacific: Irian Jaya and Australia. Probably also occurring in southern Papua New Guinea (Port Moresby to the Kempwelch River area).
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 1-1; Dorsal soft rays (total): 7-7; Anal spines: 0-0; Anal soft rays: 18-22; Vertebrae: 51-51. Palatal teeth in two oblique, oval patches; one on each side of palate, well separated. Snout acute; lips fleshy, crenulate; lower jaw truncate. Head shield granular; dorsomedian head groove lanceolate, narrow distally. Eye large, 17-28% HL. Large, flattened serrae along inner margin of pectoral spine; caudal fin lobes slender, acute. Rakers present along posterior face of all gill arches. Distinct, blackish margin on dorsal, pectoral and inner caudal fins (Ref. 40908).
Biology:  Found in coastal waters, estuaries and rivers within tidal influence; among mangroves (Ref. 40908).
IUCN Red List Status: Not Evaluated (N.E.) Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  traumatogenic


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