Key for identification of the sea catfishes species (Siluriformes, Ariidae) of the Brazilian coast

Abstract

The identification of the catfishes of the family Ariidae is problematical due to the presence of a few number of external characters, which allow a precise diagnosis of the species. A key for identification of the species that occur along the Brazilian coast is presented together with a synonymic list. The following species are recognized: Arius rugispinis, Arius phrygiatus, Aspistor luniscutis, Aspistor parkeri, Bagre bagre, Bagre marinus, Cathorops agassizii, Cathorops arenatus, Cathorops spixii, Genidens barbus, Genidens genidens, Genidens machadoi, Genidens planifrons, Notarius grandicassis, Potamarius grandoculis, Sciades couma, Sciades emphysetus, Sciades herzbergii, Sciades passany and Sciades proops.