Plotosus
Plotosus is a genus of catfish in the family Plotosidae. They are commonly known as eel-tailed catfish, or simply “Eel-tailed Catfish” due to their elongated body shape and their dorsal fin extending almost to the tail fin, resembling the eel’s fin. The genus includes 10 species, most of which are found in the Indo-Pacific region, inhabiting coastal waters and estuaries. They are generally found in muddy or sandy bottoms.
Characteristics
Plotosus species exhibit several distinct characteristics:
- Elongated Body Shape: Their body is long and cylindrical, tapering towards a pointed tail.
- Dorsal Fin: The dorsal fin is long and runs almost the entire length of the back, extending towards the tail.
- Barbels: They have four pairs of barbels around their mouth, which they use to sense food and navigate in murky waters.
- Venomous Spines: Plotosus species have venomous spines on their pectoral fins, used for defense. These spines can inflict a painful sting.
- Coloration: They are typically gray or brown in color with dark spots or stripes. Some species have a more prominent orange or yellow coloration.
Environments
Plotosus catfish are found in a variety of habitats, including:
- Coastal Waters: They are commonly found in shallow coastal waters, often near coral reefs or rocky shores.
- Estuaries: Estuaries with brackish water are also common habitats for Plotosus species.
- Muddy or Sandy Bottoms: They prefer muddy or sandy bottoms where they can burrow and hide.
References
For more detailed information on Plotosus, refer to these reliable sources: