Black catfish, Narrowfront tandan (Neosilurus ater) care guide

Group
Freshwater fish
Other names
Black-finned eel catfish, Australian eel-tailed catfish, Narrow-fronted tandan, Butter jew
Family
Plotosidae (eeltail catfishes)
Origin
Rivers of northern Australia and New Guinea (type locality Inawi, eastern New Guinea).
Water
freshwater
Maximum size
47 cm
Temperature
20–27°C
pH
6.4–7.6
Hardness
3–18 dGH (estimated)
Minimum tank
800 litres
Care level
expert
Temperament
semi_aggressive

Care

A large, dark eeltail catfish with a long tapering tail fin. PlanetCatfish gives a maximum of about 47 cm standard length, so this is a fish for a very large aquarium. No source gives a tank size; we suggest at least 800 litres for an adult (an estimate), with a soft sand bottom, some large wood or rocks for cover and good filtration. Keep at about 20–27 °C and pH 6.4–7.6. Safety: eeltail catfishes (Plotosidae) have sharp spines on the dorsal and pectoral fins that can deliver a very painful, venomous wound. Use a net and gloves, never handle the fish by hand, and get medical help if stung. PlanetCatfish gives no notes on care, sexing or behaviour in aquaria, and it is rarely available outside Australia and New Guinea. It is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. Selling: our policies require the adult size and long-term tank needs to be stated clearly in the listing. Large fish must travel by a specialist live-animal courier (see the Livestock shipping guide). Sources: PlanetCatfish (planetcatfish.com/common/species.php?speciesid=35). Checked October 2026.

Diet

PlanetCatfish gives no feeding notes. Like its relatives it is a bottom-feeding carnivore, so offer sinking pellets, prawns, mussels, worms and other meaty foods (general guidance).

Breeding

There are no reports of it breeding in aquariums.

Compatibility and tank mates

PlanetCatfish gives no compatibility notes. Given its size and diet, keep it only with fish too large to swallow.

Last updated 5 October 2026. Community-edited care guide on Aquatic-Auctions.

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  • Items are sold by auction, buy it now or classified advert, by hobbyist and business sellers in the UK.
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  • Live fish and other vertebrates must be sent by specialist live-animal couriers (for example APC Overnight or DX Express), never by Royal Mail. Some invertebrates and plants may go by Royal Mail Special Delivery or 1st Class within its rules.
  • Banned and invasive species (for example those on the GB invasive species lists) cannot be listed, and sellers must meet the site’s animal welfare standards.
  • Members must be 16 or over to buy (16 and 17-year-olds with a parent or guardian’s agreement); sellers must be 18 or over.
  • Business sellers show their address, company details and pet-selling licence to buyers. Seller ratings run from 0 to 100: +1 for each positive feedback, −1 for each negative.
  • The site includes a free community species wiki with care guides (water parameters, tank size, diet, temperament, breeding).
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