In tropical areas, inhabits clear and turbid coral reefs; usually found in areas with mixed sand, weed, and coral areas . May be seen resting on sand bottoms under ledges or around coral bommies . Adults solitarily or in small groups. Presumably nocturnal . Feeds on gastropod mollusks and crustaceans . Spines associated with anterior fins have potent venom .
Dorsal spines (total): 1; Dorsal soft rays (total): 104 - 115; Anal spines: 0; Anal soft rays: 90 - 100. Differs from Paraplotosus butleri in having a shorter dorsal fin and shorter nasal barbels, rounded pectoral fin shape, fewer upper procurrent caudal fin rays, and fewer gill rakers. Differs from P. muelleri in having a shorter dorsal fin and smaller eye . Color highly variable, ranging from pale grey or yellowish brown to dark brown, nearly blackish, sometimes with pronounced dark mottling; generally whitish on belly and ventral part of head; fins brown to blackish, frequently darker than body . : elongated; Cross section: circular.
Behavioural data for Whitelipped eel catfish is currently being reviewed.
Diet information for Whitelipped eel catfish is currently being compiled.
Reproduction data for Whitelipped eel catfish is currently being compiled.
Marine; brackish; reef-associated; depth range 1 - 12 m . Tropical West Pacific: Indo-Australian Archipelago.
gastropod mollusks and crustaceans (Ref
| Scientific Name | Author | Year | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Copidoglanis longifilis | Macleay | 1881 | Synonym |
| Paraplotosus albilabrus | Valenciennes | 1840 | Synonym |
| Plotosus albilabris | Valenciennes | 1840 | Synonym |
| Plotosus macrophthalmus | Bleeker | 1846 | Synonym |
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 10 records indexed .
No observations yet - be the first to log one!
View all observations for Whitelipped eel catfish ↗Spotted incorrect or outdated data? Submit a correction and our editorial team will review it. Approved edits go live within 48 hours.
Found a factual error, broken data, or inappropriate content? Let us know and we will investigate promptly.