Plotosus lineatus, NSMT-P 65913, 8.0 cm SL
Plotosus lineatus (Thunberg, 1787)
Striped eel catfish
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D I, 4; DPC 95 - 111; A 68 - 80; P1 I, 10 - 12; P2 10 - 13; LGR 20 - 23. Body somewhat elongate, body depth more than 15 % of standard length; anterior nostril situated dorsal to upper lip, opening directed anteriorly; gill membranes narrowly attached across isthmus; nasal and maxillary barbels short, reaching to or slightly beyond posterior margin of eye; origin of dorsal procurrent caudal fin inserting vertical above pelvic fin base. Color: head and body brown, becoming cream or white ventrally; 2 to 3 narrow pale yellow longitudinal stripes on body, of which 2 extending onto head. Size: commonly to 20 cm, maximum 30 cm in standard length. Distribution: widely distributed in Indo-West Pacific from Red Sea and East African coasts eastward to Palau, Yap, Tonga, and Samoa. Remarks: found in coastal waters, often entering estuaries. Juveniles forming dense ball-shaped schools, adults solitary or occurring in small schools. Each serrate spine of dorsal and pectoral fins venomous and highly dangerous. Locally edible food fish marketed fresh, caught with beach seines, trawl, and set nets.
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