All fish / Ariidae

Lesser salmon catfish

Neoarius graeffei

Also known as blue salmon catfish, salmon catfish, fork-tailed catfish, forktail catfish, arius graeffei, shark catfish

A sleek, silvery to bluish sea catfish with a forked tail, a strong dorsal spine and long barbels. It is kept by keepers of large brackish or hard freshwater systems for its active, constant swimming and robust nature.

Care at a glance

Care level

Moderate

Temperament

Semi

Adult size

40 cm

Temperature

22 to 30 °C

pH

7 to 8.2

Smallest tank

800 litres

Keep as

Group of 3 or more in a very large tank

Diet

Carnivore: sinking pellets, prawns, fish fillet, earthworms and other meaty foods

Swims

Middle of the tank

Lifespan

10 to 15 years

Water

Brackish

Wild range

Northern Australia and southern New Guinea rivers, estuaries and coasts

Breeding

Males are mouthbrooders, carrying the large eggs and young in the mouth for several weeks. Captive breeding is very rarely achieved because of the adult size and space required.

Good to know

Sold as small juveniles but grows large and will eat any fish that fits in its mouth. The fin spines are venomous and can cause painful wounds, so handle with care.