CATFISH - PLOTOSIDAE There are around two thousand species of catfish, but only a few live in salty water. Only Plotosus lineatus is common on coral reefs. They search for food in sandy areas using their long tentacles around the mouth to detect prey hidden in the sand. Young specimen are generally seen in groups while adults mainly live solitary. Catfish have a poisonous spine in first dorsal and pectoral fins. Length: 32 cm. Distribution: from the Red Sea to Samoa, S- Korea and Lord Howe. Lives on coastal reefs down to -35 m. Adults live solitary, mostly under ledges during the day and juveniles swim around in ball-shaped schools(photo on the right). One of the only species that lives in salt water. Warning! Catfish have some venomous spines which can cause severe pain for several days. Length: 15 cm. Distribution: From the Philippines to Flores, New Guinea and Solomon Isl. Related to the goby family, they immitate the with venomous spines armed catfish. They have only one white line on the side and the schools are less dense than with Plotosus lineatus. They live on shallow and steep coral reefs. Incase of danger, they hide themselfs in holes, cracks and branching corals.