Tandanus Catfish
Tandanus tandanus
A hardy native eel-tailed catfish that builds gravel nests in the wild.
| Difficulty | Intermediate |
| Min. Tank Size | 300 L |
| Temperature | 12.0–26.0 °C |
| pH Range | 6.5–8.0 |
| Max Size | 50.0 cm |
| Lifespan | 8-12 years |
| Diet | Carnivore |
| Temperament | Peaceful |
Overview
The Tandanus Catfish (Tandanus tandanus) is a hardy native eel-tailed catfish that builds gravel nests in the wild. It is a popular choice among Australian aquarists, reaching around 50 cm and living roughly 8-12 years when properly cared for.
This complete guide covers how to keep the Tandanus Catfish successfully - tank size and setup, water parameters, the best foods (including recommended brands), suitable tank mates, breeding, sexing and the health issues to watch for. It is rated Intermediate to care for.
Natural Habitat & Origin
This is an Australian native species, adapted to local rivers and billabongs. Many natives tolerate cooler water and are hardy, but they often grow large and are powerful swimmers that need space.
Matching the temperature, water chemistry and cover a species evolved with is the simplest route to keeping it healthy and seeing its natural behaviour and colour.
Tank Size & Aquarium Setup
Provide a minimum of 300 litres for the Tandanus Catfish. As a group-living species, swimming length and floor space matter more than height.
A tight-fitting lid is essential - this species is a capable jumper.
Live plants, driftwood and shaded retreats give security and show off the fish's colours against a natural backdrop.
Always add fish only to a fully cycled, mature tank with stable biological filtration. Provide strong, well-oxygenated flow for this active, oxygen-hungry species.
Water Parameters
Keep the Tandanus Catfish in stable water at 12-26 °C with a pH of 6.5-8.0. It adapts to a moderate range, so stability matters more than an exact figure.
Test regularly: ammonia and nitrite must read zero, and nitrate should be kept low with routine partial water changes. Always dechlorinate and temperature-match new water, because sudden swings cause far more illness than water that is stable but slightly imperfect.
Diet & Feeding
The Tandanus Catfish is a carnivore and needs a protein-rich, meaty diet.
In Australia, good options include Hikari Carnivore/Massivore pellets, API Carnivore food and Dymax frozen bloodworm, brine shrimp, krill and mussel. Feed small amounts once or twice a day (only what is cleared in a minute or two), vary the diet for the best colour and health, and avoid overfeeding, which is the leading cause of poor water quality.
Temperament & Tank Mates
The Tandanus Catfish is peaceful and community-friendly. It mixes well with other calm species that share its temperature (12-26 °C) and pH (6.5-8.0) needs, are too large to be eaten and not large enough to eat it.
It is happiest in a group of its own kind and is shyer and less settled when kept alone.
Breeding
The Tandanus Catfish is rarely or not bred in the home aquarium; most stock is commercially farmed or wild-collected, and home breeding is considered very difficult.
Even if you are not planning to breed it, recognising this behaviour helps you understand what you are seeing and respond well - for example by adding cover for fry or giving a guarding pair extra space.
How to Tell Males from Females
Sexing varies by species; males are often more colourful in breeding season while females are rounder when carrying eggs.
Common Health Problems
Like most aquarium species it can suffer from white spot (ich), fin rot and fungal or bacterial infections, almost always triggered by stress or poor water quality. Quarantine new arrivals for 2-4 weeks and watch daily for early signs such as loss of appetite, unusual hiding, clamped fins or laboured breathing - caught early, most issues are very treatable.
Prevention beats cure: keep water pristine, avoid overstocking and overfeeding, quarantine new arrivals, and act at the first sign of trouble.
Is the Tandanus Catfish Right for You?
The Tandanus Catfish suits keepers with some experience and a stable, mature, appropriately sized tank, as long as you can provide at least 300 litres, water at 12-26 °C and pH 6.5-8.0, the right diet and a proper group of its own kind.
Meet those needs and the Tandanus Catfish will reward you for around 8-12 years. Use our free aquarium calculators to plan your setup, and explore our other fish, plant and disease guides to build a thriving aquarium.