What fish is this? A guide to freshwater fish in NSW
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What fish
a guide to freshwater fish in NSW
is this?
A guide to freshwater
fish in NSW
FISH FRIEN
DL
Y FARMS
1Fish friendly farms
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.
2a 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
3Fish friendly farms
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.
4a 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.
5Fish friendly farms
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
6a guide to freshwater fish in NSW
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.
7Fish friendly farms
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.
8a guide to freshwater fish in NSW
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
9Fish friendly farms
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
10a guide to freshwater fish in NSW
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.
11Fish friendly farms
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.
12a guide to freshwater fish in NSW
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.
13Fish friendly farms
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,
14a guide to freshwater fish in NSW
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.
15Fish friendly farms
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
16a 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.
17Fish friendly farms
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
18a 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.
19Fish friendly farms
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.
20a 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.
21Fish friendly farms
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.
22a 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.
23To 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.
FISH FRIEN
DL
Y FARMS
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