Plotosus lineatus

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Facts
Latin name Plotosus lineatus - (Thunberg, 1787)
Local name Striped eel catfish
Family Plotosidae - Plotosus
Origin East Indian Ocean, West Indian Ocean, Australia, Japan, The Red Sea, Indonesia, East Pacific, New Zealand, Central/West Pacific
Max length 32 cm (12.6")
As aquarium fish
Minimum volume 600 l (158 gal)
Hardiness Hardy
Suitable for aquarium Suitable with care
Reef safe Reef safe with caution
Aggressiveness Peaceful
Feed
Recommended Fish
Larger crustaceans (Shrimp, crabs...)
Other invertebrates
Small crustaceans (Krill, mysis, artemia...)
Beware of
Can be a threat to small fishes, crustaceans and other invertebrates

This species can be a threat for small fishes, crustaceans, worms, snails etc.

Searches through sand for food

This species searches through the sand for food, which can make the water cloudy and shakes up detritus.

In an aquarium their natural food source in the sand is quickly exhausted.

Highly venomous

This species is highly venomous and this venom can, under certain circumstances, be fatal.

In case of poisoning, it is vital to have as much information as possible regarding the species/poison. Have telephone number for the poison hotline close to the aquarium.
Since people can have different reactions to poisons, take precautions necessary to ensure your safety and that of your surroundings.

Keep in mind
Frequent feeding

This fish requires feeding several times a day, especially when newly added.

When the fish can find its natural food in the aquarium it requires less frequent feeding. 

Best in a shoal

These fish thrive best in a large or small shoal.

Descriptions and further reading
Description

When young these fish are mostly black, but become brownish with white or yellow stripes.

Family description (Plotosidae)

There is only species (Plotosus lineatus) in the Eeltail catfish (Plotosidae) genus that lives on the coral reef.
Eeltail catfish are excellent at removing leftover food and dirt from the aquarium.

These fish have poisonous spines by the dorsal and pectoral fins, so care should be taken whith handling. Their poison can be dangerous for humans, especially if one is stung multiple times. 

They have a lovely appearance when young, but are less attractive as adults.
Unless kept in a group, they will remain hidden. 

Eeltail catfish can swallow both fish and invertebrates in one go. 

FishBase
Aquarium trade Yes
Distribution Indo-Pacific: Red Sea and East Africa to Samoa, north to southern Japan, southern Korea, and the Ogasawara Islands, south to Australia and Lord Howe Island. Palau and Yap in Micronesia (Ref. 1602). Sometimes enters freshwaters of East Africa (Lake Mala
Danish common names Stribet koralmalle
English common names Striped catfish
Striped eel catfish
Stripped catfish
Striped sea catfish
Catfish-eel
German common names Korallenwels
French common names Mâchoiron
Poisson-chat de mer rayé
References and further reading

About references

Scott W. Michael. 2001. Reef Fishes volume 1 - TFH Publications / Microcosm Ltd. - (English)
Striped Eel Catfish - Aquatic Community - (English)
Plotosus lineatus - Tropical Fish Hobbyist - (English)