The sharp dorsal and pectoral spines of Plotosus lineatus are extremely venomous, and Plotosus angularis (Bloch) is a synonym. Although not common in the Maldives, they are most often seen in lagoons.
Details
§ 01
size
Max. 32 cm
color
Brown dorsally, white ventrally. Three white stripes on body. Two extended from snout to caudal peduncle. One from belly to caudal peduncle.
This species can be found in a variety of habitats, such as reefs, open coasts, estuaries and tidal pools. Young individuals tend to gather in large groups. They feed on a range of small crustaceans, molluscs and fishes.
distinctive characters
This elongated, eel-like fish has a first dorsal fin with one spine and four rays, a second dorsal-caudal-anal fin with 139-200 rays, a pectoral fin with one spine and nine to thirteen rays, and a pelvic fin with ten to thirteen rays. It also has four pairs of barbels on its head, a short first dorsal fin with a strongly ossified first spine, and an anal, caudal, and second dorsal fin that become one continuous fin. Additionally, it has 22-32 total gill rakers.