Whata guide tofish freshwater fish in NSW is this? A guide to freshwater fish in NSW
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1 Fish friendly farms a guide to freshwater fish in NSW
The ‘fish friendly farms’ team has produced this guide to help you identify native fish that could be in your streams and understand what they need to survive and thrive. We have also included fish species that have been deliberately or accidentally introduced into the rivers and creeks of NSW. In many cases, these ‘exotic’ fish have rapidly colonised the waterways, out- competing our native fish and further adding to the problems they face. We hope this information will inspire you to help restore stream habitat and streambank vegetation, as these actions will encourage native fish to return to your waterways.
Guide to symbols
These are species that are listed as threatened or otherwise protected by law. It’s illegal to catch and keep any protected or threatened species, and any that are caught accidentally must be returned immediately to the water unharmed. There’s more information on page 21. In some cases, it may only be in certain places that the species is protected. If so, this is indicated beside the symbol.
These are pest species that have been listed as ‘Noxious’ by law. Noxious species can be Class 1, 2 or 3. This is indicated beside the symbol. There’s more information on page 21.
2 3 a guide to freshwater fish in NSW Native Fish
Australian bass Macquaria novemaculeata
Maximum fish length 60cm Found in rivers, streams, coastal consume other fish, insects and lakes and brackish estuaries. Prefers crustaceans. During summer months the thick cover of aquatic vegetation diet comes largely from terrestrial in rock and gravel-bottomed pools. sources, such as insects falling from Undertakes extensive migrations. riparian vegetation. Disappears A water level rise during winter from streams upstream of migration enhances breeding success. Adults barriers such as weirs.
Australian grayling Prototroctes maraena
Maximum fish length 30cm Occurs on the South Coast in in brackish estuarine waters and catchments from the Clyde River fish return upstream to breed. A southwards but occasionally found shy species that forms fast moving as far north as the Central Coast. shoals, feeding mainly on aquatic Habitat includes large and small algae, insects and micro-crustaceans. clear coastal rivers with moderate Highly sensitive to handling and flows and gravel substrates. Spawns environmental change. Emits an in freshwater. Eggs and larvae are unusual cucumber-like odour when washed downstream to mature freshly caught.
Australian smelt Retropinna semoni
Maximum fish length 10cm
Abundant and broad range throughout eggs. Diet includes insects, micro- many coastal and inland drainage crustaceans and algae. Preyed upon systems. Usually found in flowing by many larger fish species. Emits an water. Forms large shoals near the unusual cucumber-like odour when surface or around vegetation and freshly caught and is very sensitive to woody debris. Aquatic vegetation handling. is also an important site for laying 2 3 Fish friendly farms a guide to freshwater fish in NSW
Blue catfish Arius graeffei
Maximum fish length 50cm
Occurs but is generally uncommon of relatively large fertilised eggs in northern coastal drainages. Found for up to 8 weeks, during which primarily in rivers and lagoons at the male does not feed. Diet is low altitude as well as coastal marine omnivorous, comprising small waters and brackish estuaries. Males fishes, prawns, vegetation, terrestrial display intensive parental care, with and aquatic insects, molluscs and mouth brooding of a small number detritus.
Bony bream Nematalosa erebi
Maximum fish length 47cm One of the most widespread and Lays up to several hundred thousand common fish of inland Australia. semi-buoyant eggs. Forms large Found in NSW throughout the shoals near the bottom, feeding on lower altitudes of the Murray- benthic algae, small invertebrates and Darling system. Most common in decaying organic matter. Important the shallows of turbid, slow-flowing food source for larger fish. Very drainages, also found in large susceptible to oxygen depletion and floodplain lakes and desert bores. first to die when ephemeral habitats Water flow increase triggers spawning. begin to dry up.
Bullrout Notesthes robusta
Maximum fish length 30cm A bottom-dwelling fish usually found to breed. Fairly inactive species, within 50 km of the coast, in still spending the majority of its time or slow-flowing freshwater streams stationary on the bottom or amongst over rock, mud or gravel substrates. weeds waiting to ambush prey. Both Predominantly located amongst adults and juveniles have venomous aquatic vegetation or woody debris. spines on the dorsal, anal and pelvic Normally frequents fresh water but fins, so should not be handled, even migrates downstream into estuaries when dead. 4 5 a guide to freshwater fish in NSW
Carp gudgeon species Hypseleotris sp.
Maximum fish length 4.5cm
Range covers the Murray-Darling spawning. Females lay a clutch of River system and east coast streams eggs on a hard surface which the as far south as the Bega River. male guards against intruders and Usually found around aquatic fans with his pectoral fins. Eats vegetation in slow-moving, often aquatic invertebrates, insect larvae turbid creeks or in still waters of and some plant matter. Up to 4 lakes and billabongs. Low flows different species which are difficult and rises above 21 ºC trigger to distinguish and often hybridise.
Climbing galaxias Galaxias brevipinnis
Maximum fish length 27.8cm
The largest Australian galaxiid. Found vegetation cover. A solitary, migratory in clear flowing, shaded streams with fish renowned for the juveniles’ rocks and boulders that drain to the unusual ability to climb vertical damp east of the Great Dividing Range. Also surfaces (such as waterfalls) using translocated to the Murray-Darling their large pectoral and pelvic fins as system via the Snowy hydro scheme. suction cups. Feeds on a variety of More abundant amongst stones insects and amphipods at the surface and woody debris with good native and near the bottom.
Common jollytail Galaxias maculatus
Maximum fish length 19cm
The most widely distributed galaxiid fringing vegetation. Larvae stay at sea, species, most abundant at low returning as juveniles in large shoals to elevations in still or gently-flowing coastal rivers. Feeds on a wide variety streams, rivers and lakes that drain to of small aquatic and terrestrial insects. the coast. Endures a wide range of Important component of the whitebait salinity levels, permitting downstream industry. Known to disappear entirely migration in autumn to estuaries to from streams upstream of migration spawn, depositing eggs and sperm on barriers such as weirs.
4 5 Fish friendly farms a guide to freshwater fish in NSW
Congolli Pseudaphritis urvillii
Maximum fish length 34cm
Found in coastal drainages in the found in slow-flowing freshwater southeast of the state. Primarily a streams. Diet consists of a variety bottom dweller of brackish estuaries, of insects, crustaceans, molluscs, often remains partly buried under worms and fish. Buries into the soft logs, aquatic plants and amongst leaf creek bottom and waits to ambush litter. Breeds in the ocean but the passing prey. Capable of rapid bursts females are known to embark on of swimming when disturbed. migrations far inland where they are
Cox’s gudgeon Gobiomorphus coxii
Maximum fish length 19cm
Range covers most of the NSW seen to climb waterfalls and steep southeast coastal drainage, however dam walls. Females lay eggs on it is rarely located close to the sea. rocky surfaces. The fertilised eggs Commonly found in flowing upland are then guarded and fanned by the waters, often in rapids adjacent male until they hatch. Diet consists to fringing vegetation. During of small aquatic insects, including upstream migration they have been mosquito larvae.
Crimson-spotted rainbowfish Melanotaenia duboulayi
Maximum fish length 13cm
Range encompasses coastal drainages or still waters with dense aquatic east of the Great Dividing Range, vegetation and woody debris. from Hastings River (NSW) north Mainly carnivorous diet, feeding on to the Burnett River (Qld). Inhabits aquatic invertebrates and terrestrial a variety of habitats, including rivers, arthropods that fall onto the water creeks, ponds, drains, coastal lakes surface. Popular aquarium fish. and reservoirs. Prefers slow-flowing
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Darling River hardyhead Craterocephalus amniculus
Maximum fish length 5.5cm
Range restricted to the upper streams. Large eggs are deposited reaches of the Darling River system on aquatic vegetation, attaching in northern NSW. Usually found via an adhesive thread. Hatching among vegetation margins or over takes place 5 to 7 days later. Diet gravel substrate in slow-flowing, consists of small aquatic insects and clear waters of small, creeks and crustaceans.
Dwarf flathead gudgeon Philypnodon macrostomus
Maximum fish length 5cm Widely distributed throughout lakes, reservoirs and brackish coastal drainages, and patchily along estuaries. Lays tear-drop shaped the Murray River and its tributaries. eggs, which attach to hard surfaces. Usually found over mud or rock Diet is carnivorous, feeding on a substrates, dispersed amongst range of insects, larvae and micro- plants or woody debris, in calm crustaceans. or slow-flowing water of streams,
Eastern freshwater cod Maccullochella ikei
Maximum fish length 66cm
Native to most freshwater reaches riparian vegetation, large boulders of the Clarence and Richmond river and woody debris. Spawns when systems of north-eastern NSW. temperatures exceed 16 ºC, laying Pristine, clear-flowing streams with large adhesive eggs on logs and rocks and deep holes are prime rocks. Adults known to prey on habitat. Generally found under other fish, frogs, crustaceans and or around in-stream cover (eg. snakes. Larvae consume aquatic woody debris). Diverse habitat is insects and zooplankton. vital for each life cycle stage, e.g. 6 7 Fish friendly farms a guide to freshwater fish in NSW
Empire gudgeon Hypseleotris compressa
Maximum fish length 10cm
Found in coastal drainages, in attract a mate. Adhesive eggs are flowing or still water, more common deposited on rocks, sand or weeds at low elevations. Usually associated and when fertilised are guarded and with aquatic plants and large woody fanned by the male until hatching debris. During breeding, males takes place. Diet consists of aquatic establish territories and display their invertebrates and larvae. Popular brightly coloured body and fins to aquarium fish.
Estuary perch Macquaria colonorum
Maximum fish length 75cm
A common species in coastal lakes, laying numerous semi-buoyant eggs estuaries and lower tidal reaches distributed over rocks and aquatic of rivers, normally favouring deep macrophytes. Primarily feeds at the saline waters. Usually found surface and mid-water during winter amongst logs, rocks and other and at the bottom in summer. Diet submerged objects. During winter consists of small prawns, shrimps, they move to estuaries to breed, fish, molluscs and worms.
Firetail gudgeon Hypseleotris galii
Max fish length 5.5cm
Commonly found at low elevations to 100, underneath rocks, logs, in freshwater coastal drainages, in shells or leaves. The fertilised eggs streams, ponds, swamps and drains, are then guarded and fanned by usually around aquatic vegetation. the male until they hatch. Adults During the warmer months the feed on insects, larvae and small female lays eggs, in clutches of up crustaceans.
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Flathead gudgeon Philypnodon grandiceps
Maximum fish length 11.5cm
Common species in drainage capable of rapid swimming bursts if systems of the southeast coast and disturbed. Females lay a clutch of sections of the Murray-Darling eggs on a hard surface (eg. woody system. Generally located in large, debris). The fertilised eggs are then calm floodplain lakes, reservoirs and guarded and fanned by the male until brackish estuaries. Can be found they hatch. Diet includes small fishes, motionless over mud bottoms, and crustaceans, tadpoles and insects. often among aquatic vegetation, but
Fly-specked hardyhead Craterocephalus stercusmuscarum fulvus
Maximum fish length 7.8cm A shoal-forming species widespread water, amongst aquatic vegetation and throughout the Murray-Darling Basin, over sand, gravel or mud substrate. but most common in the Murray Spawning occurs when temperatures River. Often found in calm or gently- exceed 24 ºC. Adhesive eggs are laid flowing lowland rivers, small streams, over rocks, crevices and aquatic plants. lakes, ponds and billabongs. Generally Diet consists of small invertebrates observed in the margins of shallow and algae.
Freshwater catfish Tandanus tandanus
Maximum fish length 90cm
Wide natural distribution in the 200 cm in diameter built of pebbles or Murray-Darling River system and gravel. Fertilised eggs are guarded by along the north coast, south to the the male and aerated by fanning with Manning River. Coastal populations their fins. Generally bottom feeders, south to the Shoalhaven are taking molluscs, crustaceans, insect introduced. Prefers sluggish or still larvae and small fishes. Susceptible to waters of rivers, creeks and billabongs. localised disturbances such as water Spawning takes place from late spring pollution due to small home ranges. until mid-summer following complex *Only applies to fish found west of the Great courtships, usually in nests up to Dividing Range 8 9 Fish friendly farms a guide to freshwater fish in NSW
Freshwater herring Potamalosa richmondia
Maximum fish length 32cm Range restricted to the coastal areas in winter for spawning, drainages of NSW, particularly juveniles subsequently move back common in rivers north of Sydney. upstream. A fast-swimming, shoal- Prefers clear to turbid, moderately forming fish, whose diet consists flowing streams, also found in of worms, small crustaceans and sluggish lowland rivers and estuaries. insects. Mature adults migrate to estuarine
Freshwater mullet Myxus petardi
Maximum fish length 80cm
Found in drainages of the east coast runs from late summer to early between Bega River (NSW) and autumn. Feeds mainly on algae and Burnett River (Qld). Generally biofilms, also consumes decaying occurs in small shoals in the deep organic material and invertebrates. pools of slow-flowing sections of Opportunistic carnivore, preys largely the river. Also found in estuaries on shrimps and yabbies, also known and coastal seas during spawning to eat freshwater molluscs and fish.
Golden perch Macquaria ambigua
Maximum fish length 76cm
Natural range throughout the spawn when water temperature Murray-Darling Basin, except at reaches 23 ºC and water levels rise. higher altitudes. Habitat varies Small, transparent pelagic larvae from clear, rocky headwaters to drift downstream with the flood more turbid, slow-moving rivers waters. Opportunistic carnivore, and billabongs, amongst fallen largely preys on fish in winter and timber, undercut banks or rocky yabbies in summer, also known to ledges. Migratory species, travelling eat freshwater molluscs. far upstream (up to 2000 km) to
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Hyrtl’s tandan Neosilurus hyrtlii
Maximum fish length 40cm
Occurs in the upper Darling River crustaceans and worms. Prey is system, in a variety of habitats located using sensory barbels around including still or flowing streams, their mouth. Sharp venomous turbid billabongs and pools. Shoal- spines are located at the dorsal and forming species that swims into the pectoral fins, and must be handled shoreline shallows at night. Diet with caution. consists of insects, molluscs, small
Long-finned eel Anguilla reinhardtii
Maximum fish length 165cm
An abundant species in east coast are capable of climbing vertical drainages, inhabits lakes and walls, and adults and juveniles can swamps, but more common in travel overland on wet or damp flowing rivers. Mature adults ground. Mostly active at night, but undertake annual downstream sometimes feeds during the day on migrations to oceanic waters for young waterbirds, fish, insects and spawning, the precise location of molluscs. which is unknown. Immature eels
Macquarie perch Macquaria australasica
Maximum fish length 46cm A quiet, furtive species, endemic and reservoirs, favouring rocky throughout the cooler, upstream habitat in flowing water. Spawning reaches of the Murray-Darling occurs in shallow upland streams Basin. Also known from some with females laying 50,000 to major coastal drainages, including 100,000 eggs which sink between the Hawkesbury, Shoalhaven and the gravel and stones. Diet mainly Georges catchments. Often found consists of crustaceans and benthic in cool, clear waters of rivers, lakes invertebrates, particularly insects.
10 11 Fish friendly farms a guide to freshwater fish in NSW
Marjorie’s hardyhead Craterocephalus marjoriae
Maximum fish length 9.7cm
Common in coastal drainages of body colour turns bright yellow northern NSW. Generally found during the summer breeding season. in large schools amongst aquatic Known to ‘gather’ food and sand vegetation, in shallow water of clear from the bottom, and also feed on flowing streams, often over sand or aquatic insects, micro-crustaceans, gravel substrates. The usually dull fish eggs and algae.
Mountain galaxias Galaxias olidus
Maximum fish length 13.5cm
Found in moderate to high fast-flowing shallow riffle areas. elevations in both coastal and inland Adhesive eggs drift and lodge in rivers to the east and west of the the substrate or attach to in-stream Great Dividing Range. Prefers clear debris and boulders. Consumes pools in small, flowing streams with a wide variety of aquatic insects, cobble, gravel or sand substrate, crustaceans, molluscs and worms, often found amongst rocks or also terrestrial insects and spiders. logs. Adults breed in spring in
Murray cod Maccullochella peelii
Maximum fish length 180cm
Australia’s largest freshwater fish. are found within one metre of a Wide natural distribution covers snag) or overhanging vegetation. most of the Murray-Darling Seasonal high flows and system. Commonly found in temperature trigger upstream adult slow-flowing, turbid rivers and spawning migration. When waters creeks at low elevations, also fast- recede, returns to the exact log or moving, clear, rocky upland creeks. hollow from which it originated. Prefers deep holes near in-stream Feeds on other fish, crustaceans cover such as woody debris (87 % and molluscs.
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Murray hardyhead Craterocephalus fluviatilis
Maximum fish length 7.2cm
Naturally distributed in the warmer months, laying relatively Murray and Murrumbidgee River large adhesive eggs that attach to systems. Usually only persists in aquatic vegetation. Diet consists saline wetlands, among shallow of algae, small aquatic insects and aquatic vegetation particularly the crustaceans. Short life span of just species Ruppia. Spawns during the 12 months.
Murray jollytail Galaxias rostratus
Maximum fish length 12cm
A shoaling species endemic to the cover provided by woody debris, Murray-Darling system. More riparian and aquatic vegetation. likely to be encountered at lower Spawns in small pools laying elevations inhabiting still or gently- spherical, slightly adhesive eggs that flowing waters of lakes, lagoons, settle to the bottom. Feeds primarily billabongs and backwaters. Prefers on small crustaceans and aquatic habitat with abundant overhead insects.
Murray-Darling rainbowfish Melanotaenia fluviatilis
Maximum fish length 9cm Occurs in the middle and and often found congregating in lower sections of the Murray, small schools around dense aquatic Murrumbidgee and Macquarie vegetation, or submerged logs and rivers and several other tributaries branches. Essentially carnivorous; of the Darling River. Inhabits a feeds on aquatic invertebrates and variety of habitat in streams, rivers, terrestrial arthropods which may fall billabongs and swamps. Prefers onto the water surface and is also slow-moving clear still waters known to consume algae.
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Olive perchlet Ambassis agassizii
Maximum fish length 8cm
Natural range includes tributaries of congregating among aquatic the Murray-Darling River system, vegetation in backwaters. Nocturnal coastal drainages of northern NSW. feeder preying largely on micro- Habitats include vegetated margins crustaceans, insects, small arachnids, of slow-flowing, warm waters in algae and very small fish. rivers, creeks, ponds, reservoirs, *Only applies to fish found west of the Great drainage ditches and swamps. May Dividing Range occur locally in large numbers,
Ornate rainbowfish Rhadinocentrus ornatus
Maximum fish length 8cm
Restricted range in coastal stained waters, amongst the cover drainages extending north of submerged roots and woody from Coffs Harbour. Occupies debris. Omnivorous diet, feeds on sandy-bottom creeks, lakes and insects and their aquatic larvae and ponds or streams with low flows. algae. Has been known to survive Predominantly found in sandy, water temperatures down to 8 ºC. coastal ‘wallum’ areas in tannin- Popular aquarium fish.
Oxleyan pygmy perch Nannoperca oxleyana
Maximum fish length 7.5cm
Endemic from south-eastern Qld to with plenty of shelter in the form north-eastern NSW. Found in dune of undercut, root-filled banks or lakes, small, slow-flowing streams dense aquatic vegetation. Mainly and rivers with sandy bottoms and carnivorous, feeding on copepods, weedy or reedy margins. Favours water fleas and aquatic insects as clear, tannin-stained often acidic well as algae. creeks in coastal ‘wallum’ country,
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Purple-spotted gudgeon Mogurnda adspersa
Maximum fish length 12cm
Formerly distributed throughout and rocks. Spawns in summer when the lower to mid slopes of the females produce successive batches Murray-Darling drainage system. of 280-1300 elongate, transparent Also found patchily in far north eggs that are deposited on rocks, coast streams. Occupies a variety logs or other solid debris. Feeds on of environments including rivers, a wide range of organisms including creeks and billabongs. Prefers quiet tadpoles, worms and small fish but or slow-flowing reaches with shelter also known to consume algae, pollen provided by submerged structures and miscellaneous forms of organic such as woody debris, vegetation matter.
River blackfish Gadopsis marmoratus
Maximum fish length 35cm
Range restricted to altitudes above 150 undercut banks. Spawns from spring metres in the Murray-Darling system. to early summer, lays adhesive yellow- Inhabits a variety of environments orange eggs in hollow logs or rock from small streams, and fast-flowing crevices. Secretive, bottom-dwelling rivers, to murky, slow-moving streams fish. It consumes a significant amount and dams. Prefers habitat with of terrestrial invertebrates and also eats abundant cover provided by woody crustaceans, molluscs and small fishes. debris, aquatic macrophytes and *Only applies to fish found in the Snowy River
Sea mullet Mugil cephalus
Maximum fish length 75cm
Occurs around the entire mainland Undertakes spawning migrations coast of Australia and northern out to sea. Timing of the run varies Tasmania in large roving shoals. with latitude, tending to leave Primarily found in marine waters estuaries during periods of prevailing but commonly found in estuaries, offshore winds. Forms an important brackish coastal lakes and lower component of the commercial freshwater reaches of rivers. fishing industry.
14 15 Fish friendly farms a guide to freshwater fish in NSW
Short-finned eel Anguilla australis
Maximum fish length 110cm
Found in freshwater lakes, swamps, if temperatures fall below 10 ºC, and streams of temperate south- burying into the soft creek bed. eastern coastal drainages. Final Known to move overland through life cycle stage spent at sea on a damp grass to find other streams. spawning run, possibly triggered Juveniles are also able of climb by phases of the moon, water damp vertical walls. Nocturnal, temperature and water level rise. opportunistic carnivore, with a Juvenile glass eels then migrate diverse diet of aquatic organisms. back upstream. Becomes dormant
Short-headed lamprey Mordacia mordax
Maximum fish length 44cm Relatively common in streams, suck the blood of fish. Undertakes estuaries and coastal seas between upstream spawning migrations the Hawkesbury and Gawler Rivers. in fast-flowing section of rivers. Has also penetrated far inland in Moves mainly at night. Spends the Murray River. Adulthood spent around 3 years in its filter-feeding at sea or in estuaries where they larval stage.
Silver perch Bidyanus bidyanus
Maximum fish length 50cm Natural distribution covers most of vegetation. It is also found in fast- the Murray-Darling River system, flowing, turbid waters. Increased excluding the cool, upper reaches. water flows and temperatures Also found in several eastern coastal (over 23ºC) trigger long upstream river systems. Inhabits warm, spawning migrations. Omnivorous sluggish, standing waters such as diet. Adults and juveniles feed on nutrient rich floodplains, with cover insects, molluscs, worms and algae. provided by woody debris and 16 17 a guide to freshwater fish in NSW
Southern blue-eye Pseudomugil signifer
Maximum fish length 8.8cm
Shoal-forming species found in the clear forest streams. During breeding majority of the east coast drainages the males greatly enhance their of Australia. Named for the coloration patterns, and erect their brilliant blue ring surrounding its ornate fins in a display of courtship. eye. Habitat can vary widely from Primarily consume insect larvae and brackish coastal waters in mangrove- micro-crustaceans. lined creeks to pure fresh water in
Southern pygmy perch Nannoperca australis
Maximum fish length 8.5cm
A wide natural range, incorporating overhanging riparian vegetation and most of the lower reaches of the aquatic plants. Spawns in response Murrumbidgee and Murray River to rising water temperatures. Males systems. Inhabits weedy, slow- become territorial, and display more flowing or calm waters, lakes, shallow vivid colouration to attract a mate. wetlands and irrigation channels. Diet includes small crustaceans, Prefers areas with cover provided by insects and larvae.
Spangled perch Leiopotherapon unicolor
Maximum fish length 25cm
One of the most widespread native dispersal abilities, recorded travelling freshwater fish, particularly in the up to 16 km in 2 hours along warmer reaches of the Murray- wheel ruts during thunderstorms! Darling River system and temperate Upstream spawning migrations rivers of the far north coast. triggered by summer floods and Occupies a range of water bodies, temperatures exceeding including main river channels, sandy 26 ºC. Opportunistic omnivore; lowland creeks and man-made feeds on small aquatic insects, lakes. Adults have remarkably good crustaceans, algae and molluscs.
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Striped gudgeon Gobiomorphus australis
Maximum fish length 17.5cm Found in most southeast coastal result of the newly hatched larvae drainages but is more common at being swept downstream, migrating low elevations. Usually in muddy back upstream later in life. Adults waterholes and slow-moving creeks, consume aquatic insects and the generally near submerged rocks, pest species Gambusia holbrooki logs and vegetation. Juveniles are (mosquitofish). commonly found in estuaries as a
Trout cod Maccullochella macquariensis
Maximum fish length 85cm
Once widespread in the upper as in pools mixed with rapids and reaches of the Murray-Darling cascades. Woody debris provides River system. Now found in important habitat and a place for the Murray River, where there’s spawning. Inclined to remain different substrate among in-stream at one site and have small home cover of woody debris and in Seven ranges. Carnivorous diet; feeding Creeks area in narrow streams with mainly on other fish, crustaceans, rock, gravel and sand substrates and aquatic insects and molluscs.
Two-spined blackfish Gadopsis bispinosus
Maximum fish length 32cm
A usually solitary, bottom-dwelling, cobbles. Also found in forested nocturnally active fish confined to catchments with low sedimentation a fairly small area on the southern from soil erosion. Juveniles often slopes of the Great Dividing Range, form large groups among leaf in the upper reaches of the Murray litter and wood debris. Feeds on River system. Inhabits cool, clear terrestrial invertebrates and aquatic upland streams with in-stream insect larvae. cover, such as boulders, gravel or
18 19 a guide to freshwater fish in NSW Introduced Fish
Brown trout Salmo trutta
Maximum fish length 90cm
Popular freshwater angling fish, Undertakes upstream spawning native to the northern hemisphere. migrations in winter. Spawning First stocked in Australian waterways occurs over gravel substrates; the in the 1860s. Wide distribution fertilised eggs settle in depressions in throughout cooler waters, west of the the gravel, which are then covered in Great Diving Range, due to stocking gravel by the female. Diet consists and migration. Generally found in of aquatic and terrestrial insects, fast flowing streams and clear lakes. molluscs, small fishes and crustaceans.
Common carp Cyprinus carpio
3
Maximum fish length 120cm
Native to Asia, first introduced competes with native fish for food, into Australia in the mid 1800s habitat and breeding sites. Prolific and undertook rapid colonisation, breeders; large, mature females especially throughout inland can produce up to 1.5 million eggs. catchments during the 1970s. Diverse diet of molluscs, seeds, Commonly associated with disturbed crustaceans, plant matter or detritus habitat, slow-flowing or stagnant sucked from the bottom. Considered waters, with abundant aquatic a ‘noxious’ species in NSW. vegetation. Actively and successfully
Gambusia Gambusia holbrooki
1
Maximum fish length 6cm Native to North and Central America. females give birth to live young several It was introduced as an aquarium times a year, producing 50-300 young fish and then into natural waterways at a time. An aggressive fish, known as a biological control for mosquito to prey upon the eggs and juveniles of populations (which was proven native fish and frog species. ineffective). Prefers warm, slow- *Class 1 noxious species, except in the Greater flowing waters. High reproductive rate; Sydney Region where it is Class 3. 18 19 Fish friendly farms a guide to freshwater fish in NSW
Goldfish Carassius auratus
Maximum fish length 40cm
Popular ornamental aquarium fish, in slow-flowing waters, can tolerate native to eastern Asia. Introduced high temperatures, high turbidity, into Australia in the 1860s and and low oxygen concentrations. subsequently released into the Competes actively with native fish natural environment through for food and habitat. Diet includes carelessness and its use as live bait. plant matter, organic material and Now widespread throughout most small crustaceans. NSW catchments. Generally found
Oriental weatherloach Misgurnus anguillicaudatus
1
Maximum fish length 25cm Native to Asia and Europe. can tolerate a wide range of Introduced into Australia as an temperatures, salinity and oxygen aquarium fish. Thoughtless release levels. Can breathe air if needed into waterways, escapees from and travel overland to colonise ornamental ponds and live bait new waterways. Competes with have resulted in a well established native fish for food and habitat, and wild population. Highly invasive, potentially feeds on native fish eggs.
Rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss
Maximum fish length 77.5cm
Native to coastal drainages of Upstream spawning migrations western North America and undertaken in winter to suitable eastern Siberia. First introduced gravel substrate sites, where into Australia in the 1890s for fertilised eggs are protected and recreational angling from New covered in gravel mounds to mature. Zealand derived stock. Generally Broad diet consists of aquatic prefers cool, clear, lake habitat, and terrestrial insects, molluscs, also found in fast flowing rivers crustaceans and small fishes. and streams with gravel substrates. Popular aquaculture fish. 20 21 a guide to freshwater fish in NSW
Redfin perch Perca fluviatilis
1
Maximum fish length 45cm
Native to Europe, released into vegetation. Diverse diet consisting Australian waterways in the mid of crustaceans, molluscs and small 1800s as an angling species. Prefers native fish species, including cooler, still, or slow-flowing waters western carp gudgeon and juvenile with abundant aquatic vegetation. Murray cod. Also carries the Extremely productive fish; spawning highly infectious viral disease EHN occurs in spring when females (epizootic haematopoietic necrosis), lay thousands of eggs in long which is lethal to several native fish gelatinous ribbons on logs and species. More information on listed species
Rules about threatened and protected species are complex and the species listed in these categories also change. For more details visit www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/fisheries/species-protection or contact your local Fisheries NSW office.
It’s illegal to catch and keep any protected or threatened species, and any that are caught accidentally must be returned immediately to the water unharmed. To reduce harm to fish being returned to the water, follow these basic guidelines: Minimise the length of time the fish is out of the water. Handle fish carefully and support the weight of its body. Take care to revive fish upon release if they appear exhausted. If there is any water current, hold the fish facing towards the current until it starts to show signs of recovery.
The Class 1 noxious listing prohibits sale and possession. Class 2 prohibits sale but allows possession in fully- contained aquaria. Class 3 allows sale and possession. It is strongly recommended that noxious species are not returned to the water.
20 21 Fish friendly farms a guide to freshwater fish in NSW Glossary
Amphipod: small shrimp-like crustacean with a thin body. E.g. water flea. Benthic: relating to the bottom of a water body (sea, lake or river). Brackish: slightly salty, as a result of fresh and salt water mixing. Carnivorous: feeding mainly on the flesh of other animals. Copepod: tiny crustacean that lives among plankton and is an important food source for many fish. Crustacean: freshwater or saltwater animal with no backbone (invertebrate), jointed legs and hard shell made of chitin. E.g. crab, lobster, crayfish, water flea. Detritus: organic matter formed by the decomposition of animals and plants. Elongate: narrow, the length is greater than the width. Endemic: unique to a particular geographic region. Ephemeral: short-lived waterway which flows after a high rainfall event. Invertebrate: an animal without a backbone. Larvae: an early life stage which still carries a yolk sac and differs greatly in appearance and behaviour than the adult form. Macrophyte: a water plant large enough to be observed with the naked eye. Mollusc: an invertebrate with a soft unsegmented body wholly or partly enclosed by a shell. Nocturnal: active by night. Omnivorous: eating both animal and plant foods. Pectoral: found on either side of the body just behind the gill opening. Planktonic: floating in the water column and carried by the currents. Riparian: land which adjoins, directly influences, or is influenced by a body of water. Reach: a stretch or portion of a river usually between bends. Spawn: to release sex cells (eggs and sperm) directly into the water. Substrate: non-living material serving as the waterway bed or basis upon which an organism lives or grows. Turbid: muddied, cloudy, caused by suspended matter, usually sediments or the result of run-off. Venomous: produces venom, extremely poisonous or injurious. Wallum: Banksia dominated sandy coastal heath. Zooplankton: tiny, usually microscopic animal, suspended or swimming in water. 22 a guide to freshwater fish in NSW
Published by the NSW Department of Primary Industries, March 2012. ISBN 978 1 74256 259 9 First published 2007, by NSW Department of Primary Industries with funding from NSW Recreational Fishing Trusts, Murray-Darling Basin Commission, NSW Council of Freshwater Anglers and the NSW Natural Resources Advisory Council. Acknowledgments: Species text adapted from Allen et al. (2002), McDowall (1996) and Morris et al. (2001). Maximum fish lengths from McDowall (1996). Images of Oncorhynchus mykiss and Salmo trutta by John Gasparotto All other fish images © Gunther Schmida Design by Graphiti Design Studio (www.gdstudio.com.au) © State of New South Wales through NSW Department of Primary Industries (2012). You may copy, distribute, display, download and otherwise freely deal with this publication for any purpose, provided that you attribute the department as the owner. However, you must obtain permission if you wish to charge others for access to the publication (other than at cost); include the publication in advertising or a product for sale; modify the publication; or re-publish the publication on a website. You may freely link to the publication on the NSW Department of Primary Industries website. Disclaimer: The information contained in this publication is based on knowledge and understanding at the time of writing (March 2012). However, because of advances in knowledge, users are reminded of the need to ensure that information upon which they rely is up to date and to check currency of the information with the appropriate officer of New South Wales Department of Primary Industries or the user‘s independent adviser. The distribution maps are indicative only. They cannot be considered comprehensive and may contain errors and omissions. NSW DPI and its employees disclaim liability for any act done or omission made on the basis of the information in the map and any consequence of such acts or omissions.
23 To discover more about native fish species:
Allen, G.R., Midgley, S.H. & Allen, M. (2002). Field Guide to the Freshwater Fishes of Australia. Western Australian Museum, Perth.
McDowall, R.M., (1996). Freshwater fishes of south- eastern Australia. Reed Books, Sydney.
To learn more about the basic biology, distribution and conservation status of threatened and potentially threatened species of NSW:
Morris, S.A., Pollard, D.A., Gehrke, P.C. & Pogonoski, J.J. (2001). Threatened and Potentially Threatened Freshwater Fishes of Coastal New South Wales and the Murray-Darling Basin. NSW Fisheries, Sydney.
If you find a threatened or protected native fish on your property please report it to the NSW DPI protected and threatened species sighting program on 02 4916 3877.
If you would like to know how you can improve fish habitat and help our native fish species contact your nearest NSW DPI office or visit www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/fisheries.
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