Species
Eel-tailed Catfish
Tandanus tandanus
Tier 4Eating6/10light tackleNSWVICQLDSAWANT
6 waypoints30–60 cm (max 90 cm) typical
Overview: about eel-tailed catfish
Native freshwater catfish of eastern Australia — Murray-Darling and east-coast rivers and impoundments. Targeted with worms, shrimp and small soft plastics on the bottom. Watch the venomous pectoral and dorsal spines when handling. Saltwater catfish species also exist and aren't the same fish.
Biology: Eel-tailed Catfish size, diet & habitat
- Habitat
- Estuary, Freshwater, Lake, River
- Typical size
- 30–60 cm (max 90 cm)
- Weight
- 0.5–3 kg (max 7 kg)
- Depth range
- 0–30 m
- Diet
- prawns, worms, small fish, molluscs
- Most active
- nocturnal
- Global range
- Multiple AU species; eel-tailed catfish (Tandanus) inland, forktailed marine spp. tropical
How to target: Eel-tailed Catfish angling strategies
Generally fished with light tackle — match gear to the conditions and the size of fish you expect.
- worms or shrimp on a running sinker rig at night in lowland rivers
- fresh prawn baits in deep impoundment holes
- soft plastics worked slowly along snag lines
Safety & handling
Venomous spines (moderate)Location: dorsal, pectoral. Handle with caution — use gloves or a lip-grip.
Painful sting from serrated dorsal and pectoral spines; immerse in hot water to denature venom.
Conservation
IUCN: Least Concern
Freshwater eel-tailed catfish IUCN data deficient regionally; in serious decline in lower Murray.
Recent community catches: anglers who caught eel-tailed catfish
No eel-tailed catfish catches logged yet. Log one and you'll be recognised here.
Where to catch: eel-tailed catfish fishing spots in Australia
Northern Territory2
South Australia1
Western Australia1
More information: eel-tailed catfish references & sources
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