Bagre

Bagre refers to a group of fish belonging to the order Siluriformes, commonly known as catfish. This term is particularly prevalent in Spanish-speaking regions, especially in Latin America, where these fish are a significant part of the local cuisine and freshwater ecosystems. Bagre species are characterized by their barbels, whisker-like appendages around their mouths, which they use to detect food in murky waters.

These fish are found in a wide variety of freshwater habitats, including rivers, lakes, and swamps. Their diet typically consists of smaller fish, invertebrates, and organic matter. Bagre are often bottom-dwellers, searching for food along the substrate. Many species possess spines in their dorsal and pectoral fins, which can be sharp and sometimes venomous, serving as a defense mechanism against predators.

In many South American countries, bagre is a popular food fish, prized for its firm, white flesh. It is prepared in numerous ways, including fried, stewed, and grilled. The nutritional value of bagre is also noteworthy, being a good source of protein and essential fatty acids. Due to their abundance and edibility, bagre play an important ecological role as both predator and prey, and are a vital resource for both local communities and the aquatic environment.