Freshwater Catfish, Tandanus tandanus (Mitchell, 1838)

 

The Freshwater Catfishis brown to olive green, reddish or even purplish above, and pale below. The species is endemic to Australia.
Alternative Name/s
Catfish, Cattie, Dewfish, Eel-tail Freshwater Catfish, Eel-tailed Catfish, Jewfish, Kenaru, Tandan Catfish
Identification

The Freshwater Catfish has a short first dorsal fin and an eel-like tail. The second dorsal fin originates above the middle of the body. The first dorsal fin and pectoral fins are each preceded by a sharp serrated spine. The down-turned mouth is surrounded by four pairs of barbels. It has no scales. The species is brown to olive green, reddish or even purplish above, and pale below. Juveniles have dark brown to black mottling.
Size range
The species grows to 90 cm in length but is more commonly seen up to 45 cm. It weighs up to 7 kg.
Distribution

The species is endemic to Australia. It occurs throughout much of the Murray-Darling River drainage and in coastal drainages from northern Queensland to central New South Wales.

Classification

Species:
tandanus
Genus:
Tandanus
Family:
Plotosidae
Order:
Siluriformes
Class:
Actinopterygii
Subphylum:
Vertebrata
Phylum:
Chordata
Kingdom:
Animalia

References

1. Allen, G.R. 1989. Freshwater Fishes of Australia. T.F.H. Publications. Pp. 240.
2. Allen, G.R., Midgley, S.H. & M. Allen. 2002. Field Guide to the Freshwater Fishes of Australia. Western Australian Museum. Pp. 394.
3. Hoese, D.F., Bray, D.J., Paxton, J.R. & G.R. Allen. 2006. Fishes. In Beesley, P.L. & A. Wells. (eds) Zoological Catalogue of Australia. Volume 35. ABRS & CSIRO Publishing: Australia. parts 1-3, pages 1-2178.
4. Pollard, D.A., Davis, T.L.O. & L.C. Llewellyn in McDowall, R.M. 1996. Freshwater Fishes of South-Eastern Australia. Reed Books. Pp. 247.
5. Merrick, J.R. & G.E. Schmida. 1984. Australian Freshwater Fishes. Biology and Management. John R. Merrick. Pp. 409.