Striped Eel Catfish
Plotosus lineatus
Striped Eel Catfish is a venomous, eel-like catfish common in shallow Indo-Pacific marine and estuarine waters, often forming dense schools as juveniles. Adults become more solitary and feed on small benthic invertebrates and fish.
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Identification points
- Long, eel-like body with a continuous low second dorsal/anal fin profile typical of catfish
- Distinctive narrow pale stripes running lengthwise on a dark body, especially obvious in juveniles
- Whisker-like barbels around the mouth and a deeply forked tail
Habitat
Reef flats, lagoons, mangrove edges, seagrass beds, tidal creeks, and sandy or muddy bottoms in coastal saltwater and brackish areas; juveniles often school over shallow reefs.
Bait notes
Effective baits include shrimp, squid, cut fish, and worms fished on the bottom; small pieces are usually enough. Small baited hooks or simple bottom rigs work better than flashy lures.
Behavior
Juveniles school tightly in daylight, especially in protected shallow water, and forage near the bottom at night. Adults are more solitary, hide by day, and use barbels to locate worms, crustaceans, mollusks, and small fishes.
Caution
Sharp venomous dorsal and pectoral spines can inflict a painful sting; handle with extreme care and avoid gill covers and fins. The species is also known to invade wounds and should not be touched bare-handed.
Fishing notes
Fish near structure, channel edges, and muddy bottoms with a bottom rig and light-to-medium tackle. Expect nibbling bites; keep pressure steady and use a landing tool rather than hand-lining.