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| fishes text index | photo index |
| Phylum Chordata > Subphylum Vertebrate > fishes > Family Plotosidae |
| Black
eeltail catfish Plotosus canius Family Plotosidae updated Aug 10
Where seen? All-black tiny juveniles of this fish are sometimes seen on our Northern shores at low tide. Usually seen alone, hiding in pools under stones or other debris on the shore, near seagrasses. Features: Adults can reach 90cm-1.5m long, those seen at low tide on our shores usually much smaller, about 4-5cm long. Body long, cylindrical and flattening into an eel-like tail. Plain dusky-brown to black with a black dorsal fin tip and a pale belly. Venomous spines on the dorsal and pectoral fins. Sometimes confused with Striped eeltail catfishes (Plotosus lineatus). The adults of these two eeltail catfishes may appear similar as the stripes on the Striped eeltail catfish fades with age. In Black eeltail catfish adults, the long barbels at the top of the snout can extend past the eyes. These barbels don't extend past the eyes in adult Striped eeltail catfishes. Sometimes mistaken for sea snakes or eels (Family Muraenidae). Here's more on how to tell apart sea snakes, eels and eel-like animals. Human uses: The large adults are harvested commercially for eating. |
 Changi, Aug 05  Juvenile about 4cm long Changi, Aug 05 |
It is small and usually hidden among seaweeds or under
rubbish. Watch your step!
 In adults, the barbels on the top of the snout may extend beyond the eyes. Tanah Merah, May 10 |
 Eel-like tail: dorsal, anal and tail fins are continuous. Changi, Aug 05 |
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Black eeltail catfishes on Singapore shores
 Changi, Apr 08 |
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 Pasir Ris, Dec 08  |
 Tiny ones hiding among Sea lettuce seaweed.  Kusu Island, Sep 10 |
 Sentosa, Jul 04  Adult about 30cm long. |
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