25KK jpeg 200mm (8in) TL, Thompson River, Longreach, Queensland. Peter Unmack photo.

Size

To 350mm (14in) TL.

Taxonomy

Glover (1990) and others have proposed that two species be recognised, N. hyrtlii and N. glencoensis. However, there is little evidence presented to support this hypothesis, thus I follow Allen (1989) in retaining the oldest name.

Conservation Status

None.

Distribution & Abundance

Widespread and abundant in all the larger rivers in Central Australia. They are found over most of northern Australia and is the third most widespread fish in Australia.

Habitat & Ecology

This species is most commonly found in waterholes in the larger rivers. It is thought to be primarily carnivorous.

Reproduction

Hyrtl's catfish has been observed spawning during floods at temperatures around 26°C (79°F). Fecundity for a fish of 186mm (7.4in) SL is 1,600 eggs, a 267mm (10.8in) SL fish contains 15,300 eggs (Orr & Milward 1984). They may be sexed by the shape of their urogenital papilla, females have a shorter flatter papilla, males are longer and pointed.

Threats

None specifically.

Conservation Action

Not relevant.

Conservation Recommendations

Undertake basic biological and ecological research on central Australian populations.

Important References

Allen, G. R. 1989. Freshwater fishes of Australia. T.F.H. Publications, New Jersey. 240pp.

Glover, C. J. M. 1990. Fishes. In, Natural History of the North-East Deserts. Eds. Tyler, M. J., Twidale, C. R., Davies, M., & Wells, C. B. Royal Society of South Australia, Adelaide. pp 189-198.

Orr, T. M. & Milward, N. E. 1984. Reproduction and development of Neosilurus ater (Perugia) and Neosilurus hyrtlii Steindachner (Teleostei: Plotosidae) in a tropical Queensland stream. Australian Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research. 35: 187-195.

This file was last modified:  18 March 2003