Latin name

Plotosus lineatus

Other name

Plotosus lineatus

Identification

The body is elongated, flattened anteriorly and somewhat compressed laterally posteriorly, tapering to the caudal part. It is without scales or bony plates. Head large, broad, dorsoventrally compressed; muzzle rounded. The eyes are small. Mouth transverse, surrounded by four pairs of antennae. One pair is located between the anterior and posterior nostrils, a second pair at the corners of the mouth, and two pairs on the lower jaw. All antennae are short, their ends reaching to or slightly beyond the posterior margin of the eye. The nostrils are well divided. The anterior nostrils are tubular, located on the upper lip and pointing forward; the posterior nostrils are slit-shaped. A dendritic organ is located in the center of the abdomen anterior to the beginning of the anal fin. The lateral line is complete, running down the center of the body to the base of the caudal fin.

Features of fish fins

The first dorsal fin has 1 barbed and 4-5 soft rays. Pectoral fins have 1 barb and 10-11 soft rays. The barb rays in the fins are serrated on both edges. The second dorsal and anal fins are joined to the caudal fin to form a single long fin with 139-200 soft rays. 

Fish colouring

Head and body dark brown to grayish brown. The sides of the body have two pale stripes (one on each side of the body) that extend above the head. The stripes are less pronounced in large individuals.

Distribution

Widespread in the tropical Indo-Pacific from the east coast of Africa and the Red Sea to Samoa and New Guinea, north to southern Japan and Korea, and south to Australia and Lord Howe Island. Have invaded the Mediterranean Sea. Occasionally enter freshwaters in eastern Africa and Madagascar.

Habitat

Tropical marine amphidromous benthic fishes. They live on reefs, in open coastal areas and estuaries. Depths range from 1 to 60 meters.

Size

Maximum length 32 cm, usually up to 25 cm. Maximum age: 7 years.

Behavior

Adults occur singly or in small groups, usually under ledges or in recesses of reefs; juveniles form dense aggregations (up to 100 individuals) in open areas. 

Food and feeding habits

They feed on bivalve crustaceans, mollusks, polychaetes and sometimes fish. 

Reproduction

They form pairs during the spawning season. Males build nests under rocks and other large debris. After spawning, females leave the clutch and males guard the eggs until the young hatch. Eggs are bottom dwelling, larvae and juveniles are pelagic.

Fishing

Commercially fished and sold for aquarium use.

Relationship with a person

The jagged barbs of the first dorsal and pectoral fins are associated with venom glands, and their sting can inflict a very painful wound.