Falsespine Catfish
A small catfish of Australia's remote northern tropics, the Falsespine Catfish occupies rocky creeks and rivers across a narrow range in the Kimberley and Northern Territory.
Its name points to the one feature that sets it apart from most of its relatives: the dorsal and pectoral fin spines are flexible and cartilaginous rather than rigid and venomous — a welcome surprise for anyone who's tangled with other Australian catfish.
Anglers rarely target it deliberately; it's more a fish of scientific interest than a sporting one.
Scientific Name: Neosilurus pseudospinosus
Also known as False-spined Catfish
- Elongate, tapering body with a tall first dorsal fin; the second dorsal and anal fins run continuously into the caudal fin, giving the rear half a tapered, flowing profile.
- Dark grey to blackish above, sometimes mottled, with a pale underside — coloration that blends into rocky creek substrate.
- The defining ID feature: dorsal and pectoral fin spines are flexible and cartilaginous, not rigid or venomous — the opposite of most catfish in its range.
- Nearly identical to the Softspine Catfish (Neosilurus mollespiculum); shorter nasal barbels are the key separator. Maxes out around 35 cm.
What to know
Habitat Distribution
- A freshwater specialist with a restricted Australian range — the Kimberley region of northern Western Australia and the Victoria River system in the Northern Territory.
- Tropical creeks and rivers across both slow-moving reaches and swiftly flowing sections, with rocky pools being a consistent feature of occupied habitat.
Specific Spots
- Hugs the substrate across most habitat types — rocky pool floors and stream beds where current slows and bottom debris accumulates alongside the rocks.
- Where current eases around larger boulders or submerged rock shelves, the fish use the reduced flow and physical cover together rather than one or the other.
Falsespine Catfish FAQ
Answers from onWater's species guide.
What are the best lures and bait for Falsespine Catfish?
Small natural baits fished on the bottom, worms and freshwater shrimp, align most closely with the species' diet of insects, crustaceans, and detritus. No established lure presentations have been documented for this species.
What do Falsespine Catfish eat?
Terrestrial and aquatic insects, crustaceans, molluscs, algae, and detritus, essentially whatever collects on rocky creek floors. Small worms or freshwater shrimp fished hard on the bottom are the most direct match for this foraging pattern.
Where do Falsespine Catfish live?
A freshwater specialist with a restricted Australian range, the Kimberley region of northern Western Australia and the Victoria River system in the Northern Territory.
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