ariinæ

Century Dictionary and Cyclopedia

1. In ichthyology, a subfamily of siluroid fishes, typified by the genus Arius. They have a form resembling that of the North American catfishes, but the anterior nostrils are close to the posterior, and the latter have no barbels. Most species have a bony occipital shield, between which and the dorsal fin is a smaller antedorsal shield; the dentition is variable, but palatine teeth are usually present. About 100 species are known, most of which are inhabitants of the tropical or warm seas. The males of many species carry the eggs, which are of large size, in their mouth, and there hatch them. A few reach a length of nearly 5 feet.