15KK jpeg 125mm (5in) TL, Diamantina River, west of Winton, Queensland. Peter Unmack photo.

Taxonomy

Silver tandans are often placed in the genus Neosilurus, however, I follow Allen (1989) in placing it in Porochilus.

Size

To 300mm (12in) TL.

Conservation Status

None.

Distribution & Abundance

Silver tandans are found in Central Australia in the Diamantina and Georgina rivers, Cooper Creek, and parts of the drainages on the Barkley Tablelands. One record also exists from teh Macumba River in South Australia. Records from the Finke River are incorrect and it is not the type locality as some have suggested. Recently this species has been recorded from some Gulf of Carpentaria drainages, however, these may prove to be different once thoroughly investigated. They can be very abundant at times, but are usually not collected in large numbers.

Habitat & Ecology

They may often be collected in large numbers during floods below migratory barriers. They are typically found in waterholes in the larger rivers.

Reproduction

They probably spawn during flooding and undertake substantial migrations, either as adults and/or juveniles. They may be sexed by the shape of their urogenital papilla, females are short and flat, males papilla are longer and pointed.

Threats

None specifically.

Conservation Action

Not relevant.

Conservation Recommendations

Undertake basic biological studies.

Important References

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

This file was last modified:  18 March 2003