Striped Eel Catfish (Juvenile)

Description:

The anterior spines of the dorsal and pectoral fins can inflict painful wounds. In P. lineatus, the highly venomous serrate spine of the first dorsal and each of the pectoral fins may even be fatal. Juveniles of Plotosus species often form dense aggregations; in P. lineatus juveniles form dense ball-shaped schools of about 100 fish, while adults are solitary or occur in smaller groups of around 20 and are known to hide under ledges during the day.

Habitat:

P. lineatus is the only catfish found in coral reefs; it is also found in estuaries, tide pools and open coasts. P. lineatus occurs in the eastern Mediterranean, marine waters in the Indian Ocean and Western Pacific, and sometimes entering freshwaters in East Africa and Madagascar.

Notes:

Spotted foraging the sandy slope of the classroom of Dive and Trek house reef