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Gjellerup's tandan (Neosilurus equinus) — Plotosidae

Gjellerup's tandan

Neosilurus equinus
Family: Plotosidae
LC · Least Concern

The Gjellerup's tandan (Neosilurus equinus) is a freshwater fish of the family Plotosidae that grows up to 38 cm.

Length
37.5 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Solitary
Activity
Nocturnal
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Australia and New Guinea
Edibility
Commonly eaten

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Description

Gjellerup's tandan is an Australian-New Guinean eel-tailed catfish from fresh water. The species grows to about 38 cm and has an elongate body tapering backward into an eel-like, continuous fin margin, with barbels around the mouth. On the dorsal and pectoral fins it bears strong spines that can prick painfully when handled. As a nocturnal bottom-dweller it searches rivers and pools for insect larvae, worms and small invertebrates. It is a local food fish. The IUCN assesses the species as Least Concern (LC).

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Gjellerup's tandan?

The Gjellerup's tandan has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a plain pattern. Eel-like continuous fin fringe and stout fin spines; nocturnal catfish

Where does the Gjellerup's tandan live?

The Gjellerup's tandan lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Australia and New Guinea

How big does the Gjellerup's tandan get?

The Gjellerup's tandan grows to a maximum of about 38 cm.

Is the Gjellerup's tandan dangerous to humans?

No, the Gjellerup's tandan is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.

Is the Gjellerup's tandan edible?

Yes, the Gjellerup's tandan is commonly eaten.

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All data

Identification

English name
Gjellerup's tandan verified
Scientific name
Neosilurus equinus
Family
Plotosidae
Other names
Southern tandan verified

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
37.5 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Brown sourced
Pattern
Plain sourced
Tail shape
Rounded inferred
Mouth position
Inferior (downward) sourced
Lips
Thin sourced
Barbels
Yes sourced
Dorsal fins
One continuous sourced
Dorsal spines
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Natural range
Australia and New Guinea verified
Origin
Native verified

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore sourced
Diet (detail)
Insect larvae, worms and small invertebrates inferred
Social behaviour
Solitary sourced
Territorial
No sourced
Activity
Nocturnal sourced
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No sourced
Seasonality
Nocturnal eel catfish; present year-round. sourced
Special features
Eel-like continuous fin fringe and stout fin spines; nocturnal catfish sourced

For anglers

Edibility
Commonly eaten sourced
Fishing method
Nets and angling sourced
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless sourced
First aid
This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status. verified

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Neosilurus

More from the family Plotosidae

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