Fish nocturnal

Hyrtl's Catfish

Neosilurus hyrtlii

The resilient 'eel-tail' of northern Australia, Hyrtl's Catfish is a master of survival in the country's most extreme waterways. From the Pilbara to Queensland, this golden-brown bottom-dweller thrives where others falter.

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Quick Identification

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Size

Typically 15–30 cm (6–12 inches), with a maximum length of about 34 cm (13.4 inches).

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Colors

Variable from golden-brown to silvery-grey on the back and sides, with a pale white or yellowish underbelly; fins are often translucent or slightly darker than the body.

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Key Features

Eel-like tail where the second dorsal and anal fins are continuous with the caudal fin
Four pairs of sensory barbels (whiskers) surrounding a downward-pointing mouth
Pointed, wedge-shaped head profile
Slightly compressed body towards the rear

When You’ll See Them

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Activity pattern nocturnal

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Peak hours 8 PM - 4 AM

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Season Year-round, with increased activity during the tropical wet season (November–April).

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Diet An opportunistic carnivore that forages along the bottom for aquatic insects, small crustaceans (like shrimp), mollusks, and organic detritus.

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Habitat Slow-moving rivers, lagoons, billabongs, and even ephemeral pools that may dry up seasonally.

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Behavior

Hyrtl's Catfish is a highly resilient and adaptable species, famously known for its ability to survive in the harsh, fluctuating environments of northern Australia. They are often the last fish remaining in drying-up billabongs, as they can tolerate high water temperatures and lower oxygen levels better than most other freshwater species. While they are generally solitary as adults, juveniles may occasionally be seen in loose groups.

These fish are predominantly bottom-dwellers, spending their daylight hours hiding under submerged logs, root mats, or rocky overhangs to avoid predators like herons and larger fish. At dusk, they become much more active, using their sensitive whiskers to navigate the murky substrate. They are generally shy and will dart away if disturbed by sudden light or movement, but they are incredibly efficient at navigating their territory during the night.

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Camera Tips

Capturing Hyrtl's Catfish requires an underwater camera setup, as they rarely break the surface. A waterproof action camera or a specialized submersible trail camera is essential. For the best results, place your camera in a slow-moving section of a creek or a still pool near structure like submerged timber or a rocky ledge. Position the camera on the substrate (the bottom), angled slightly upward to capture the catfish's distinctive silhouette and barbels as it forages.

Because this species is primarily active at night, your camera must have strong infrared (IR) capabilities or be used with a low-intensity, motion-activated underwater light. Note that high-intensity white light might spook them. To ensure the fish stays in the frame long enough for a good shot, use a weighted bait cage. Raw prawns, bloodworms, or crushed snails are excellent lures. Secure the bait cage approximately 12–18 inches (30–45 cm) from the lens to allow the camera's autofocus to lock on the fish as it investigates the scent.

Seasonality plays a big role in visibility. During the peak of the wet season, water often becomes too turbid (muddy) for clear filming. The 'sweet spot' for camera placement is usually during the early dry season when water levels are receding and clarity improves, or in permanent refuge pools during the late dry season. If you are filming in a backyard pond, ensure there is plenty of leaf litter or cover nearby to make the catfish feel secure enough to approach the camera during its active hours.

Similar Species

Species that look similar or are commonly confused with Hyrtl's Catfish.

Rendahl's Catfish

Very similar in appearance but has a more rounded snout and slightly different arrangement of fins.

Eel-tail Catfish

Also known as the Dewfish, it grows much larger (up to 90cm) and has a wider, more robust head than the pointed snout of the Hyrtl's.

Frequently Asked Questions

Hyrtl's Catfish are primarily nocturnal, meaning they are most active under the cover of darkness. They usually emerge from their hiding spots shortly after sunset and spend the night foraging until dawn.

If you have a creek or large pond on your property in northern Australia, you can attract them by providing plenty of submerged cover like logs and rocks. For camera purposes, using a mesh bag with raw prawns or fish-based wet food can draw them in close.

They are bottom-feeders that eat a variety of small aquatic life, including insect larvae, small freshwater shrimp, snails, and worms found in the silt and sand.

They are common in suburban areas of northern Australia that have healthy freshwater systems, such as Darwin, Townsville, and Cairns, though they are rarely seen without a camera due to their night-time habits.

While both have long bodies, Hyrtl's Catfish has four pairs of prominent whiskers (barbels) and a distinct catfish-shaped head. True eels lack these barbels and have a much smoother, more snake-like appearance.

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