Coral Catfish – Plotosus lineatus – Small

The Coral Catfish (Plotosus lineatus) is also known as the Striped Eel Catfish due to its body and fin shape. Juveniles are black with thin horizontal white stripes. The stripes ma also appear yellowish in fish from some regions. The color distinction fades into adulthood as both the body color and stripes turn more dusky brown.

As juveniles, these fish are schooling and form large groups of fish. They hover around the bottom of the tank, searching the substrate and decor for food. Adults are more solitary and do not school, instead hiding in crevices and rockwork. Juveniles feed on detritus and small crustaceans, worms and other organisms and can be fed a wide variety of food. Adults are more predatory and carnivorous. They can be fed larger meaty foods but may also prey on invertebrates and small fish.

These fish have venomous fin spines. Use caution when handling or netting and be aware of the location of any Coral Catfish during regular tank maintenance.