The Coral Catfish is a fascinating and peaceful fish, which makes an interesting captive for hobbyists. These fish are also intriguing to observe in their natural habitats.

The Coral Catfish is normally found in marine environments in the wild, though some have been known to enter rivers, for reasons that are not fully understood. Juveniles form round shoals, and move as a compact ball along the ocean floor. They are often found in schools of about 100, while adults normally associate in loose groups of about 20 fish. Such behavior becomes diminished as the Coral Catfish matures. The high activity levels of these fish also diminish with age. In captivity, Coral Catfish can be kept in groups and will form schools. They are generally active, though peaceful, toward each other and large tank mates. Usually they do best when kept in same species groups of five or six fish. This small group can be placed in a community aquarium. Because Coral Catfish are carnivorous, they will eat fish small enough to fit in their mouths, though they normally act non-aggressively toward larger fish. Wild Coral Catfish constantly stir up the bottom of their habitat looking for food; in captivity, they can also make effective scavengers. They eat worms, crustaceans, mollusks, and, sometimes, small fish. If it is necessary for you to handle your Coral Catfish, you should use caution; spines located to the front of the pectoral and dorsal fins are venomous and will cause a painful injury. If for some reason it is necessary for you to reach into an aquarium containing Coral Catfish, use caution and be aware of the fish's position at all times.

Juvenile Coral Catfish often have multiple horizontal white lines striped across their bodies. They are dark brownish gray or black in color, and can grow to lengths of 5 to 6 feet (1.5 to 1.8 meters). In the pet trade most specimens are around four inches (9cm) in length. Coral Catfish have characteristic "whiskers," filamentary protrusions about their mouths similar to freshwater catfish.

Coral Catfish are native to the Indo Pacific. Though they are charming aquarium fish, they are not appropriate for all tanks, due to the large size they will reach at adulthood. Coral Catfish are the only catfish that are known to be associated with reef environments.

Temperatures between 75 and 78 degrees Fahrenheit (24 to 26 degrees Celsius) and a pH values between 8.3 and 8.4 are appropriate for Coral Catfish. The specific gravity is best kept between 1.023 and 1.025, in aquariums with or without invertebrates. Plenty of hiding places should be provided. Younger Coral Catfish usually do best when kept in groups of five or six. They are not aggressive toward other fish as a rule, though they will eat tank mates small enough to fit in their mouths. The diet of a Coral Catfish should include shellfish. Usually these fish are offered chopped mixed meat items that will sink to the bottom. If it is necessary for you to handle your Coral Catfish, you should use caution; spines to the front of the pectoral and dorsal fins are venomous.

In captivity, Coral Catfish have shown breeding behavior, though no reports have been found of successful raising of resulting fry. Usually, the Coral Catfish will build a nest in the bottom of the aquarium, using sand, gravel, or debris. It is thought that the male guards any eggs deposited therein.