Ryan Photographic - Plotosidae - Eeltail catfishes

Family Plotosidae

According to FishBase there are 10 genera and 40 species of the Plotosidae. They are restricted to the Western Indo-Pacific. Most are freshwater but two species are found on coral reefs in the region. Most commonly seen is Plotosus lineatus, striped catfish. Dense schools of several hundred juveniles will spread out into a long line, actively churning the bottom for food. Few suitably sized creatures escape this wall of death. The striped catfish has highly venomous barbs, one at the start of the dorsal fin and another on each pectoral fin. In my experience the school breaks up when threatened but they will occasionally form a tight ball with their heads pointed towards the danger.

Anableps anableps Four-eyed fish

Plotosus lineatus Striped catfish, Puerto Galera, Philippines

FISH 7503 Plotosus lineatus Striped catfish Puerto Galera, Philippines.

Fishes

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Fishes

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