The Coral Reef Catfish

Plotosus lineatus

The Striped eel catfish (Plotosus lineatus) lives in the reefs of the Indo-Pacific ranging from the Red Sea to Australia up to Japan.  The Plotosus genus of catfish are notable for abandoning freshwater (where catfish evolved and where the majority of catfishes live) in favor of the oceans.  Plotosus lineatus is entirely oceanic: the species makes its home in the colorful and dangerous  world of the coral reef. Young Striped eel catfish live in schools which can be composed of hundreds of fish however older individuals lose their schooling instinct.

The catfish grub through the sand for tiny invertebrates, shrimp, and minnows. They possess electrosensory organs which allow them to sense the prey’s nervous system beneath the sand. Although they are very endearing walking along the sand on their little whiskers, you should not pick them up!  These catfish have venomous spines on both sides of their body.  The poison is acutely painful but not always lethal for adult humans.

A river of baby catfish on the reef

Advertisement