Conservation
The Murray-Darling populations of eel-tailed catfish has declined significantly over recent decades. Most populations in the southern half of the Murray-Darling river system are extinct or nearly so.
There are suggestions that introduced carp, with similar feeding habitats, directly compete with eel-tailed catfish, to the detriment of the catfish. Severe siltation also probably severely impacts upon the species spawning by smothering the rocks and pebbles they use to build nests.
Fortunately, populations in several rivers and impoundments in the northern half of the Murray-Darling appear secure for now. Interestingly, the species does well in the upland reaches of these northern Murray-Darling rivers; this is in contrast to its absence from the upland reaches of southern Murray-Darling rivers, where water temperatures are cooler.
Read more about this topic: Eel-tailed Catfish
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