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Plotosus limbatus Valenciennes, 1840 Darkfin eel catfish |
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photo by
Goebbels, D. |
| Family: | Plotosidae (Eeltail catfishes) | |||
| Max. size: | 50 cm TL (male/unsexed) | |||
| Environment: | demersal; freshwater; brackish; marine, amphidromous | |||
| Distribution: | Western Indian Ocean: ranging from the Madras and Malabar coasts of India to the east coast of Africa. Reaches as far south as Knysna, South Africa (Ref. 3670). | |||
| Diagnosis: | ||||
| Biology: | Occurs in estuaries and along open coasts (Ref. 30573). Juveniles form dense aggregations. Feeds on crustaceans, mollusks, and fishes (Ref. 30573). Dorsal and pelvic fins are venomous (Ref. 30573). | |||
| IUCN Red List Status: | Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 29 November 2023 Ref. (130435) | |||
| Threat to humans: | venomous | |||