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Freshwater Catfish
Tandanus tandanus Mitchell, 1838

A Freshwater Catfish caught during the north-eastern New South Wales fieldtrip (AMS I.41847-003). It was collected from Emigrant Creek, north of Tintenbar, New South Wales, December 2002. View larger image.

Dorsal view. Note the widely spaced eyes and long barbels. View larger image.

Anterior view. Note the fleshy lips and placement of the four pairs of barbels. View larger image.

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 (glossary). There are no scales.

This fish is brown to olive green, reddish or even purplish above, and pale below. Juveniles have dark brown to black mottling.

The Freshwater Catfish grows to 90cm in length but is more commonly seen up to 45cm. It weighs up to 7kg.

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

View a map of the collecting localities of specimens in the Australian Museum Fish Collection.

Further reading

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. 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.
4. Merrick, J.R. & G.E. Schmida. 1984. Australian Freshwater Fishes. Biology and Management. John R. Merrick. Pp. 409.