This conservation advice has been approved by the Minister/Delegate of the Minister on: 26/3/2008
A statement for the purposes of approved conservation advice (s266B of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999) Approved Conservation Advice for Melanotaenia eachamensis (Lake Eacham Rainbowfish)
This Conservation Advice has been developed based on the best available information at the time this conservation advice was approved. Description Melanotaenia eachamensis, Family Melanotaeniidae, also known as the Lake Eacham Rainbowfish, is a small, silvery or bluish fish growing to 6.5 cm, with orange stripes on the sides, a faint blackish stripe along the middle of the sides, and clear to yellowish-orange fins (Allen, 1989). This species is a laterally compressed fish which shows no sexual dimorphism in regards to length-weight relationship (Pusey et al., 2004). Conservation Status The Lake Eacham Rainbowfish is listed as endangered. This species is eligible for listing as endangered under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (Cwlth) (EPBC Act) as, prior to the commencement of the EPBC Act, it was listed as endangered under Schedule 1 of the Endangered Species Protection Act 1992 (Cwlth). Distribution and Habitat The Lake Eacham Rainbowfish is originally known only from Lake Eacham, which is an isolated crater lake in the Atherton Tablelands, Queensland. The species became extinct in Lake Eacham by 1987, due to the introduction of several larger native fish that preyed upon the Lake Eacham Rainbowfish (Barlow et al., 1987). The species was rediscovered breeding in the private collections of hobbyists and later, with confirmation of genetic distinction from the Melanotaenia splendida group (McGuigan, 2000), from Lake Euramoo and Koombooloomba Dam and in tributaries of the Tully, Johnstone, Herbert and Barron rivers of Queensland (Pusey et al., 1997). One reintroduction into Lake Eacham was attempted with 3000 fish, but no individuals were found during surveys four months later and the reintroduction was considered a failure (Leggett and Merrick, 1997). This species occurs within the Wet Tropics (Queensland) Natural Resource Management Region. The Lake Eacham Rainbowfish is a freshwater species, originally occurring in the Lake Eacham volcanic crater lakes, and has subsequently been found in freshwater streams. It shows a preference for clear, shallow water of streams with a slow to moderate flow (Zhu et al., 1998). It is found above altitudes of 100 m and appears to prefer altitudes around 700 m (Pusey et al., 1997). The distribution of this species overlaps with the “Mabi Forest (Complex Notophyll Vine Forest 5b)” EPBC Act-listed threatened ecological community. Threats The main identified threat to the Lake Eacham Rainbowfish, and the presumed cause of its extinction in Lake Eacham, is predation by translocated native fish. Lake Eacham has been subjected to numerous unofficial translocations, mostly in the 1980s, although unofficial translocations by locals have likely been occurring for 50 years or more (Burrows, 2002). Research Priorities Research priorities that would inform future regional and local priority actions include:
Melanotaenia eachamensis Conservation Advice - Page 1 of 3 This conservation advice has been approved by the Minister/Delegate of the Minister on: 26/3/2008
Further research on the genetic distinction between the Lake Eacham Rainbowfish and the Melanotaenia splendida group. Determine the current status of naturally occurring or translocated populations outside of Lake Eacham. Research possible methods of controlling or eradicating translocated native fish in Lake Eacham. More explicitly determine the habitat requirements of this species; and determine the status of wild or translocated populations of the Lake Eacham Rainbowfish in Lake Euramoo, Koombooloomba Dam and tributaries of the Tully River, Johnstone River, Herbert River and Barron River. Regional and Local Priority Actions The following regional and local priority recovery and threat abatement actions can be done to support the recovery of the Lake Eacham Rainbowfish. Habitat Loss, Disturbance and Modification Identify populations of high conservation priority. Protect creeks and lakes containing known or potential populations of the Lake Eacham Rainbowfish. Manage any changes to hydrology that may result in changes to stream flow, water table levels, increased run-off, sedimentation or pollution. Animal Predation or Competition Examine the cost-effectiveness and likelihood of success of any options for the control and eradication of translocated native fish, especially the Glossamia aprion (Mouth Almighty) in Lake Eacham (Barlow et al 1987). Conservation Information Raise awareness of the Lake Eacham Rainbowfish within the local community. Educate the public of the possible consequences of translocating fish species. Enable Recovery of Additional Sites and/or Populations Determine the current status of captive populations and establish formal management plans for these populations.
This list does not necessarily encompass all actions that may be of benefit to this species, but highlights those that are considered to be of highest priority at the time of preparing the conservation advice.
Existing Plans/Management Prescriptions that are Relevant to the Species National Action Plan for Australian Freshwater Fishes prepared by the Australian Nature Conservancy (Wager and Jackson, 1993), and Key threatening processes in NSW – Introduction of fish to fresh waters within a river catchment outside their natural range (DPI 2005).
Information Sources: Allen, GR 1989, Freshwater Fishes of Australia, T. H. F. Publications Neptune City, New Jersey pp. 231-236. Barlow, CG, Hogan, AE & Rodgers, LJ 1987, ‘Implication of translocated fishes in the apparent extinction in the wild of the Lake Eacham Rainbowfish, Melanotaenia eachamensis’, Australian Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, vol. 38, pp. 897-902. Burrows, D 2002, Fish Stocking and the Distribution and Potential Impact of Translocated Fishes in Streams of the Wet Tropics Region, Northern Queensland, report to the Wet Tropics Management Authority.
Melanotaenia eachamensis Conservation Advice - Page 2 of 3 This conservation advice has been approved by the Minister/Delegate of the Minister on: 26/3/2008
Department of Primary Industries (DPI) NSW 2005, Key threatening processes in NSW Introduction of fish to fresh waterswithin a river catchment outside their natural range, DPI Threatened Species Unit, viewed on 11 March 2008,
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