Eel tailed catfish (Tandanus tandanus)
Eel tailed catfish range naturally throughout the rivers of the Murray-Darling basin. They are similar in appearance to most catfish species, with the exception that their caudal is not forked and is similar to an eel tail. The catfish is brown-grey in colour, often with a mottled appearance. This species has been known to reach over 7kg, however is usually caught much smaller (1-3kg). Eel tailed catfish are often caught by recreational fishers.

Despite their unusual appearance, eel tailed catfish are of excellent eating quality and are often preferred over other freshwater native fish such as golden perch. The flesh is white and well flavoured. Eel tailed catfish are rarely seen at seafood retailers. However, it should be noted that the American catfish farming industry provides the basis of a billion-dollar industry, with production in excess of 250,000 tonnes annually. Most of this product is processed for fish fingers and processed fillets.

Eel tailed catfish have not been trialed in intensive conditions, so its potential for intensive aquaculture is relatively unknown. Fingerlings are irregularly available and provided adequate natural food is made available, this species can be stocked at a rate of about 250 fish/ha, and should be marketable within 2-3 years.

In Queensland, carp are declared noxious species. It is unlawful to possess them alive or dead*. It is prohibited to place or release carp into Queensland waterways. Penalties of up to $150,000 apply. Declared noxious fish are those that are, or may become, a pest to native aquatic communities. It is important that people don't move carp from one water-body to another, as this is the main way that carp spread. Carp should never be used as bait.