Fin's Fish Guide
The Rendahl's catfish (Porochilus rendahli) is a freshwater fish of the family Plotosidae that grows up to 20 cm.
Description
Rendahl's tandan is an eeltail catfish (Plotosidae) from northern Australia. The species has an elongate, scaleless body with barbels and an eel-like, continuous rear-body fin; an adipose fin is absent. It inhabits billabongs and streams with slow to fast-flowing, clear to turbid water over rock, gravel or sand bottoms. As a bottom fish it forages with its barbels on insect larvae, small crustaceans and worms. The pectoral and dorsal fin spines are venomous and give a painful puncture wound; treat a sting with hot water.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Rendahl's catfish?
The Rendahl's catfish has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a plain pattern. Eel-shaped eeltail catfish with venomous fin spines; inhabits northern Australian billabongs.
Where does the Rendahl's catfish live?
The Rendahl's catfish lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. The north of Australia; billabongs and streams.
How big does the Rendahl's catfish get?
The Rendahl's catfish grows to a maximum of about 20 cm.
Is the Rendahl's catfish dangerous to humans?
No, the Rendahl's catfish is harmless to humans. The fin spines are venomous and give a painful, burning puncture wound. Immerse the wound for 30-90 minutes in water as hot as can be tolerated (about 45 C) and seek medical care if pain or infection persists.
Is the Rendahl's catfish edible?
The Rendahl's catfish is rarely eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Porochilus
More from the family Plotosidae
Want the complete picture on the Rendahl's catfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Rendahl's catfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.