Paraplotosus facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Paraplotosus |
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Scientific classification  |
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| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Actinopterygii |
| Order: | Siluriformes |
| Family: | Plotosidae |
| Genus: | Paraplotosus Bleeker, 1863 |
| Type species | |
| Plotosus albilabris Valenciennes, 1840
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| Synonyms | |
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Endorrhis Ogilby, 1898 |
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Paraplotosus is a group of catfishes that live in the waters around Australasia and South-east Asia. These fish are known for their unique looks and interesting behaviors.
Contents
Meet the Paraplotosus Species
There are three types of fish currently known in this group:
- Paraplotosus albilabris (Valenciennes, 1840) (Whitelipped eel-catfish)
- Paraplotosus butleri Allen, 1998
- Paraplotosus muelleri (Klunzinger, 1880) (Kimberley catfish)
The Whitelipped Eel-Catfish (P. albilabris)
The P. albilabris fish lives in the waters near Indonesia, Australia, and New Guinea. It can grow quite large, up to about 134 centimetres (52.8 inches) long.
This species has some key differences from its relatives. It has a shorter dorsal fin (the fin on its back) and shorter nasal barbels (whisker-like feelers near its nose). Its pectoral fin (on its side) is rounded. It also has fewer rays in its upper caudal fin (tail fin) and fewer gill rakers (parts that help it filter food).
Its color can change a lot, from light gray or yellowish-brown to very dark brown, almost black. Its belly and the bottom of its head are usually whitish. The fins are often brown or black, sometimes darker than the body.
P. albilabris lives in tropical areas, often around clear or cloudy coral reefs. They like places with sand, plants, and coral. You might see them resting on sandy bottoms, under ledges, or near coral. Adult fish usually live alone or in small groups. Be careful, as the spines on their front fins can sting!
Butler's Catfish (P. butleri)
P. butleri is found near the coastal reefs of Northern Australia. This fish grows to about 32.5 cm (12.8 inches) long.
It stands out because it has a tall, sail-like first dorsal fin. Its nasal barbels are also very long, reaching far back towards its pectoral fins.
Young P. butleri fish have a special look: a black head and body with a wide white or yellow edge on their first dorsal fin. Their dorsal, anal, and caudal fins are all connected, making them look like one long fin. As they grow up, adult P. butleri become completely black. These fish prefer coastal reefs and are quite shy, often hiding in reef holes or under big rocks.
The Kimberley Catfish (P. muelleri)
The P. muelleri lives in cloudy coastal reefs from the Dampier Archipelago to the eastern Gulf of Carpentaria in northern Australia. It can grow to about 26.8 cm (10.6 inches) long.
This species has a taller dorsal fin and a larger eye compared to P. albilabris. It differs from P. butleri by having a shorter dorsal fin and shorter nasal barbels. It also has a rounded pectoral fin, fewer caudal fin rays, and fewer gill rakers.
P. muelleri is brown, with a whitish belly and the underside of its head. Like its relatives, it lives only in the cloudy coastal reefs of mainland Australia and nearby islands.
See also
In Spanish: Paraplotosus para niños
