As the fish mature, they cease swarming. Instead, they may swim alone or congregate in small groups. The swarming behavior is thought to reduce the risk from predators. These are the only catfish found in coral reefs but they are also swim through sea grass, estuaries, tide pools and open coasts where they prefer water up to 40” deep. They are dangerous to touch since they have several venomous spines that can inflict severe pain and even death to humans.
https://youtu.be/ChWOq3rRxOE Thanks for turning me on to this fascinating YouTube video. ***ic***