Primefact: Murray-Darling population of Eel-Tailed Catfish

Summary

Eel-Tailed Catfish, also commonly known as Freshwater Catfish, is an Australian endemic species. The western population was once highly abundant and widespread throughout the Murray-Darling River System in NSW, Queensland, Victoria and South Australia (with the exception of the cooler parts of the southern tributaries). However, in NSW most riverine populations have declined significantly since the 1970s, and the species is no longer common in many areas where it was formally abundant. The Murray-Darling Basin population of Eel-Tailed Catfish is listed as an endangered population in NSW. There are heavy penalties for harming, possessing, buying or selling individuals from the population (except from listed impoundments), or for harming their habitat.

The contents of this Primefact include the following:

• Description
• Habitat and ecology
• Why is the Murray-Darling Basin population of Eel-Tailed Catfish threatened?
• Conservation and recovery actions
• Legal implications
• Bibliography and further reading
• Contact details for further information