Plotosidae Catfish Availability

[kp90]

Been wanting a member of this family of cats for a long time, but I've only found Plotosus lineatus for sale near me. At this time I have no intention to going back over to salt. So I'm wondering if anybody can provide any information about how these cats get into the hobby outside of Australia. I'm particularly interested in Neosilurus ater as this seems to be the species that pops up for sale most often.

I've noticed people getting these cats in some places. And as I understand it they would be coming out of New Guinea. Anybody know if there is a particular time of year for collection? Are they seasonal? How are they being distributed? Are they going through one of the fish farms in SE Asia or are they being distributed from suppliers in New Guinea?

Thanks
Kevin

[naturalart]

I'm interested in this subject as well. bump

[Jools]

I don't know about the details of their export but anyone importing from that part of the world can get them. Mine came via Australian exports, but they can also be exported from Papua. Many are quite big fish and that seems more of a limiting factor than anything else.

Jools

[kp90]

I don't know about the details of their export but anyone importing from that part of the world can get them. Mine came via Australian exports, but they can also be exported from Papua. Many are quite big fish and that seems more of a limiting factor than anything else.

Jools

I find it interesting that they came from Australia. With Australia's export laws I've only heard of 2 or 3 farms that have the proper permits to export these cats. I've looked into them before when other Aussie fish were being imported but was told that there wasn't enough interest to justify bringing them in. Guess I'll just have to keep my eyes out.

[snowball]

There are four species of Plotosidae that are semi-regularly seen in the local Australian trade, availability appears to be based on seasonal collecting. I don't know if any farms breed any commercially but I doubt there is enough of a demand.

Neosilurus ater
Neosilurus hyrtlii (N. glencoensis)
Porochilus rendahli
Tandanus tandanus

Of those, N. hyrtlii are probably the 'easiest' in that they are fairly undemanding, stay relatively small and coexist peacefully with most other species. N. ater reach a larger size and are generally fine with other fish but tend to become territorial with other aters as they reach maturity. P. rendahli like their own company but are skittish and need dense bunches of plants to hide in; they don't really like rocks or caves and often bash their noses on them. Tandans can get quite large and will eat anything they can fit in their mouths.

A few other freshwater species occasionally show up but generally if you want them you have to go and collect them yourself.

[naturalart]

Very informative snowball. Thanks for sharing.

[Herschel51]

I agree with you.

[Viktor Jarikov]

Welcome, friend! Would you, please, introduce yourself in the Speak easy section?