Arius acutirostris

<em>Arius acutirostris</em> is a brackish-water catfish belonging to the family Ariidae, a widespread family of marine and estuarine catfishes found in tropical and subtropical coastal regions worldwide. This species reaches a maximum recorded length of approximately 40 cm and inhabits estuaries, where freshwater drainage meets tidal saline influence. Ariid catfishes are characterized by their broad, flattened heads, prominent barbels around the mouth, and hardened dorsal and pectoral fin spines capable of inflicting painful wounds. Members of the genus <em>Arius</em> are typically omnivorous, feeding on invertebrates, small fishes, and organic debris in estuarine sediments. Many ariids are notable for paternal mouthbrooding, with males incubating fertilized eggs inside the oral cavity until hatching. <em>Arius acutirostris</em> is associated with coastal estuarine systems in its native range. Details of geographic distribution and specific habitat use for this species remain limited in the ichthyological literature.