Hyrtle's Catfish (Neosilurus hyrtlii)
 
Common Name: Hyrtle's Catfish, Hyrtl's Catfish, Golden Eeltail Catfish
Scientific Name: Neosilurus hyrtlii
Family: Plotosidae
Origin: Australia
 
Species Overview
Hyrtle's Catfish is an Australian native eeltail catfish with a slender, elongated body and attractive golden-brown to olive coloration. It is an active bottom-dwelling species that enjoys exploring around rocks, driftwood and other structures within the aquarium.
This species is generally peaceful but can become more predatory as it grows. It is primarily nocturnal and will often become considerably more active during the evening and overnight.
 
Care Requirements
Minimum Aquarium Size: 300 Litres
Temperament: Generally Peaceful
Water Level: Bottom Dweller
Diet: Omnivore / Carnivore
Activity: Primarily Nocturnal
Social Behaviour: Can be kept individually or in compatible groups
Water Parameters
Temperature: 20–28°C
pH: 6.5–8.0
Hardness: Soft to Moderately Hard
Maintain stable water conditions with good filtration and regular water changes.
 
Aquarium Setup
Provide a spacious aquarium with plenty of floor area and hiding places. Driftwood, rocks, caves and other structures will provide shelter and help the fish feel secure.
A sandy or smooth substrate is recommended. Good oxygenation and moderate water movement are beneficial.
As Hyrtle's Catfish is primarily nocturnal, subdued lighting and shaded areas can encourage more natural behaviour.
A secure aquarium lid is recommended.
 
Diet & Feeding
Hyrtle's Catfish are opportunistic feeders and benefit from a varied diet.
Suitable foods include:
High-quality sinking catfish pellets
Sinking granules
Frozen bloodworms
Brine shrimp
Mysis shrimp
Earthworms
Other suitable aquatic invertebrates
Feeding during the evening or shortly before lights-out is recommended.
 
Tankmates
Hyrtle's Catfish are generally peaceful with appropriately sized tankmates but may consume very small fish as they mature.
Suitable tankmates should be peaceful and large enough that they cannot easily be swallowed.
Avoid aggressive or highly territorial species.
 
Important Information
Hyrtle's Catfish is an Australian native species and should be provided with adequate space to accommodate its adult size. It is important to consider the fish's eventual size and behaviour before adding it to a community aquarium.