Striped Eel Catfish

Habitat

Sandy and rocky shallows along the eastern Mediterranean and Red Sea coasts. Lessepsian invader in eastern Med.

Behavior

Juveniles form dense balls; adults solitary. Highly venomous spines on dorsal and pectoral fins — handle with extreme care.

Best techniques

• Light bottom rig with shrimp or worm
• Drop-shot near rocky bottom
• Float fishing with cut bait
• Light spinning with small soft plastics