Paraplotosus muelleri (Klunzinger, 1879)
Kimberley catfish

Family:  Plotosidae (Eeltail catfishes)
Max. size:  26.8 cm SL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 0 - 8 m
Distribution:  Indo-West Pacific: northwestern Australia and the adjacent Northern Territory.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 1-1; Dorsal soft rays (total): 97-110; Anal spines: 0-0; Anal soft rays: 80-95. Differs from P. albilabris in having a taller dorsal fin and larger eye (Ref. 31103). Differs from Paraplotosus butleri in having a shorter dorsal fin and shorter nasal barbels, rounded pectoral fin shape, fewer procurrent caudal fin rays, and fewer gill rakers. Brown in color, belly area and ventral surface of head whitish (Ref. 31103).
Biology:  Restricted to turbid coastal reefs of mainland Australia and nearby islands (Ref. 31103). Presumably nocturnal (Ref. 31103). Feeds on gastropod mollusks and crustaceans (Ref. 31103).
IUCN Red List Status: Not Evaluated (N.E.) Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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