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Glover's tandan (Neosilurus gloveri) — Plotosidae

Glover's tandan

Neosilurus gloveri
Family: Plotosidae

The Glover's tandan (Neosilurus gloveri) is a freshwater fish of the family Plotosidae that grows up to 9 cm.

Length
9 cm
Water
Freshwater
Activity
Nocturnal
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Venomous / poisonous
Range
Oceania: Australia

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Description

The Glover's tandan is an eeltail catfish (Plotosidae) from fresh and estuarine water of Australia. The species grows to about 30 cm and has an elongate, scaleless body with an eel-like fin merging into the tail and barbels around the mouth. As a bottom-oriented fish it searches over sand and mud for worms, crustaceans and small fish. The dorsal and pectoral spines are strongly venomous and can give a very painful sting.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Glover's tandan?

The Glover's tandan has an elongate, eel-like body and is mainly brown. Bears venomous spines or tissue; handle with great care.

Where does the Glover's tandan live?

The Glover's tandan lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Oceania: Australia

How big does the Glover's tandan get?

The Glover's tandan grows to a maximum of about 9 cm.

Is the Glover's tandan dangerous to humans?

The Glover's tandan is venomous — handle spines with care and seek medical help after a sting if needed. For a sting from a fin spine: rinse the wound, remove any visible spine fragments and immerse the part for 30-90 minutes in water as hot as can be tolerated (about 45 C) to break down the venom. The pain can be severe. For marked swelling, a retained spine or signs of infection seek medical care and check tetanus status.

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All data

Identification

English name
Glover's tandan sourced
Scientific name
Neosilurus gloveri
Family
Plotosidae
Other names
Desert catfish; Dalhousie catfish verified

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
9 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Brown sourced
Tail shape
Rounded
Barbels
Yes sourced
Dorsal spines
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Natural range
Oceania: Australia sourced
Origin
Native

Behaviour & biology

Territorial
No
Activity
Nocturnal
Reproduction
Separate sexes
Sexual dimorphism
No
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known.
Special features
Bears venomous spines or tissue; handle with great care.

For anglers

Fishing method
Small in size and barely an angling target; mostly caught incidentally or as baitfish.
Regulations source

Safety

Danger to humans
Venomous / poisonous verified
First aid
For a sting from a fin spine: rinse the wound, remove any visible spine fragments and immerse the part for 30-90 minutes in water as hot as can be tolerated (about 45 C) to break down the venom. The pain can be severe. For marked swelling, a retained spine or signs of infection seek medical care and check tetanus status. sourced

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Neosilurus

More from the family Plotosidae

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