ID Please (Longtail Catfish)

[Coswecanfly]

 Caught this in the Parramatta River near drummoyne this morning. Looks like a catfish mated with an eel. Had a spike on the back and two on the pectoral fins like a catfish. Didn't have a tail though just like an eel. Never seen one of these before though. 

[Blackfish]

Maybe a Longtail Catfish. (Euristmus lepturus)

[seasponge]

not sure of the name, but a type of catfish. Abundant in the Hawkesbury.

Don't go anywhere near the spines - extremely painful if spiked. I normally don't take any chances and just cut the line off. 

[masterfisho7]

I live in Drummoyne and all my years of fishing have never seen one but also would say a catfish

[Coswecanfly]

Thanks guys. Definitely Longtail Catfish. (Euristmus lepturus).  Luckily I grew up with catfish with venomous spines so I saw it coming and know how to hold it without getting stung. He went back in the drink masterfisho so if you want to go and get him he's all yours.  😂

[savit]

I usually use long reach pliers with them so no need to cut the line unless the hook is inside. Are they good for bait?

[Coswecanfly]

11 hours ago, savit said:

I usually use long reach pliers with them so no need to cut the line unless the hook is inside. Are they good for bait?

I don't know about here but in South Africa the catfish with poisonous spines usually runs with the jewies and a catfish fillet is the second best jewie bait (behind Taylor). 

[61 crusher]

Have caught quite a few in the parra, lane cove & Hawkesbury rivers usually after a bit of rain

10 hours ago, Coswecanfly said:

I don't know about here but in South Africa the catfish with poisonous spines usually runs with the jewies and a catfish fillet is the second best jewie bait (behind Taylor). 

And when targeting jewies, years ago a jew fisherman told me I was in the right area if I was catching those brown catfish, never tried using a fillet though, might give it a go next time I hook one