Habitat, biology, and fisheries: Found in fresh, brackish, and marine waters of tropical and subtropical
regions of the Indo-Pacific. Fresh-water species are restricted to Australia and New Guinea; marine
species are widespread along continental and island margins, especially in estuaries, lagoons, sand flats,
and reefs. Marine species sometimes found in river mouths in nearly fresh waters.
Large individuals seen beneath overhangs, in caves, and crevices. during daylight hours. Juveniles of
some species, especially Plotosus lineatus, seen on reef flats in ball-like aggregations. Feed primarily on
crustaceans, molluscs, and fishes. Incidental catch throughout range; taken by beach seine, trawl, and on
hook-and-line. Marketed mostly fresh and locally may be important.
Similar families occurring in the area
Marine eeltail catfishes differ from all other catfish
families in possessing a dendritic organ at the
base of the anal fin. Furthermore, additional
characters can be used to distinguish them from
the following families that are found in the region:
Ariidae: caudal fin forked, adipose fin present,
anal-fin base short, not confluent with caudal fin;
anterior and posterior nostrils close together; no
nasal barbel.