Paraplotosus butleri Allen, 1998

Family:  Plotosidae (Eeltail catfishes)
Max. size:  32.5 cm SL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 0 - 5 m
Distribution:  Indo-West Pacific: northern Australia.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 1-1; Dorsal soft rays (total): 115-130; Anal spines: 0-0; Anal soft rays: 87-102. Differs from Paraplotosus albilabris and P. muelleri in having a tall, sail-like first dorsal fin and extremely long nasal barbels, which extend posteriorly to the basal third of the pectoral fin or beyond (Ref. 31103). Small juveniles have a unique coloration consisting of a black head and body with a broad white to yellow margin on the first dorsal fin and continuous dorsal-caudal-anal fin (Ref. 31103). Adults entirely black (Ref. 31103).
Biology:  Restricted to coastal reefs (Ref. 31103). Secretive, found in reef holes or under large rocks (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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