PRESENCE OF ARIUS GRANDICASSIS IN THE COLOMBIAN CARIBBEAN, INCLUDING AN IDENTIFICATION KEY FOR THE FISH FAMILY ARIIDAE IN THE AREA

Abstract

The family Ariidae in the Colombian Caribbean coast includes five well known species {slriopsis boniiiai, shins pnops, Bagre bagre, B. marinas and Seienaspis berr-betgi/j and at least two undescribed of the genus Catborops. In this paper we report by the first time the presence of sirins grandicassis Valenciennes, 1840 in the region, based on three specimens of 342 - 495 mm total length captured in offshore waters at San Lorenzo de Garnatones (La Guajira), widening in this way the species distribution range. A key to identify the ariid species from the area is also included.