Quick Stats
Moderate |
Temperament
Semi-aggressive |
Color Form
Black, White |
Diet
Omnivore |
Reef Compatible
With Caution |
sg 1.020-1.025, 72-78°F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4 |
Max. Size
10″ |
Family
Plotosidae |
Minimum Tank Size
75 gallons |
|
Description
The Coral Catfish (Plotosus lineatus), also known as the Striped Eel Catfish, is a unique addition to a marine aquarium. Its elongated body and bold black and white stripes make it easily recognizable, and its long barbels around the mouth are used for foraging. These catfish are typically found in schools as juveniles but may become more solitary as they mature. Native to the Indo-Pacific, they are known to frequent coral reefs and rocky environments.
While they are generally peaceful towards other species, Coral Catfish can be semi-aggressive when housed with their own kind or similarly sized fish, particularly as they grow. They are scavengers by nature and feed on a variety of meaty foods and detritus in the aquarium. It’s essential to ensure they are well-fed to avoid any aggressive behavior towards tankmates.
Reef compatibility is marked “with caution” as Coral Catfish may disturb invertebrates or corals while scavenging the tank bottom. Providing them with plenty of space and hiding areas will help keep them comfortable and reduce territorial behavior.