Catfish – Yellow Tail Eeltail Catfish ( Neosilurus hyrtlii) 10cm

Tandanus Catfish are found only from House Creek QLD (16°15’S) to Sydney, NSW, in coastal rivers and throughout Murray-Darling system inland. Tandanus Catfish were once widespread in eastern Australia, however, populations have suffered severe declines in both distribution and abundance since the 1980s. The species remains relatively common in coastal catchments from the Hunter River (NSW) north, whereas it is considered endangered in the Murray-Darling Basin.

Tandanus Catfish inhabits slow-flowing streams and lakes. A relatively sedentary solitary species, although juveniles sometimes form loose aggregations.

They are a Grey, brown, reddish-brown, purplish or olive-green, whitish on belly and underside of head. Individuals under about 30 cm TL frequently have light grey or tan mottling on the sides.

Sexually mature at 3-5 years. Spawning occurs during spring and summer when water temperatures rise to between 20 and 24°C.

Males construct a circular gravel and pebble nest with a central depression into which females lay large, spherical non-adhesive eggs (~3 mm diameter). The larvae hatch after about 7 days, and measure about 7.0 mm TL, and the barbels are well formed by 12 mm. Freshwater Catfish are known to spawn multiple times during a season.

An opportunisitc carnivore – feeds mostly on aquatic insects, yabbies, prawns, microcrustaceans, molluscs and some small fishes, taken from the bottom.

• Species – Neosilurus hyrtlii
• Common Name – Yellow Tail Catfish
• Origin – Coastal Queensland, NSW and Victoria, Australia
• Diet – Carnivore
• PH Range – 6.5 – 7.5
• Temperature – Cold and Tropical 15°c – 28°c
• Breed Type – Egg Layer but very difficult to breed in the aquarium
• Current Size – approximately 7cm (Grows to approximately 45cm)
• Sex – Un-sexed