Coral Catfish

Plotosus lineatus

Habitat & Distribution :  Indo-Pacific Ocean

Diet: Crustaceans, molluscs, worms, small fish

Size: 35 cm

Lifespan: 5 - 10 tahun

Description

A marine species of catfish. Its body is scaleless, with a long, eel-like tail, and four pairs of whiskers or barbels around its mouth. It is predominantly brown in color, with cream or white stripes along its body.

Behavior

These fish tend to inhabit areas near coral reefs, but can also be found in estuaries and tidal pools. When young, these fish form large schools to protect themselves from predators.

Reproduction

The Striped eel catfish is an oviparous species that reproduces by spawning in early summer, with males constructing and guarding nests in shallow, sandy, rocky areas. They reach maturity in 1–3 years and produce demersal eggs, which hatch into pelagic larvae

Communication & Perception

The Striped eel catfish primarily communicates through chemical signaling to maintain their dense, ball-shaped schools, particularly as juveniles. They are known for complex social behaviors and sensory adaptations for foraging and group cohesion

Predators

Reef sharks, lionfish, groupers, barracuda, moray eels