.......................Eel-tailed catfish
Other names:...........Tandanus Eel-tailed catfish, Dew fish Origin:......................Australia Max size:..................40" PH:............-..............6.8-7.2 Temperature:...........68-78 F. Min tank size:..........135 gallons Food:.........................live foods, beef heart, shrimp pellets, blood worms, brine shrimp, sinking pellets |
Many thanks to Diana Camille for submitting the following information:
The Tandanus Eel-tailed catfish is a carnivorous fish from Australia. The body and fins contain various shades of brown. The dorsal, anal and caudal fins all form together to make the "eel tail". The stomach is directly behind the head and comprises only approx. 1/4 of the total length. Two long barbels on the upper lip, two long and two short on the lower lip.
They will eat anything that they can fit in their mouths, and have large appetites. Favorite foods include brine shrimp and blood worms. They are usually a bottom feeder but learn to catch their food on its way down as it sinks.
Despite the large appetite, it is also an extremely gentle catfish. There is a possibility of venom or some kind of irritant around the barbel area (Oscar attacked Tandanus who defended itself by rubbing its mouth against the Oscar's gills, Oscar was later observed to be desperately scratching itself. Inflamation and loose skin resulting). However, they're peaceful unless provoked.
These fish are closely related to the marine catfish. In Australia they are a popular aquarium fish, as well as a popular food fish. These fish are active and calm.
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