Plotosidae

striped eel catfish

Plotosus lineatus

Venomous spines used when threatened

• Tropical
• Transcontinental
• Indian Ocean
• Pacific Ocean
• Africa
• East Asia
• Oceania
• Fusiform
• Medium
• Tropical fish

Plotosus lineatus, commonly known as the striped eel catfish, is a species of catfish belonging to the eeltail family Plotosidae. Like most other members of the genus, this species possesses highly venomous spines that can be used to sting when threatened; the venom can cause mild to severe symptoms in humans. This species is native to the Indo-Pacific but is now present in the Mediterranean via Lessepsian migration through the Suez Canal.