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Freshwater fish of the Burdekin Dry Tropics

Burdekin Dry Tropics Natural Resource Management (BDTNRM), in collaboration with WetlandCare Australia, is currently producing a booklet with which to assist in the identification of the regions fascinating freshwater fish species. Much of the information in the booklet has been drawn from work by  Jason Carter, Alluvium Consulting.

Many of the region's native fish face an uncertain future due to the broadscale loss of their wetlands and creeks as well as other factors such as aquatic weed invasion, fish passage barriers and poor water quality. Also threatening these fish is the introduction of introduced species such as Tilapia and other exotic aggressive aquarium escapees such as those of the cichlid family which outcompete native species for food, habitat and breeding sites.

The booklet provides a physical description of the fish species, both native and introduced, as well a map of their distribution, their conservation status, the threats that they face and legal fishing bag and size limits. This is a timely educational resource that will assist people recognise the unique, and sometimes overlooked, diversity of fish species that occur in this region.

Fish Facts:

The seven spot archerfish (Toxotes chatareus), has the fascinating ability to accurately spit high pressure jets of water at insects in riparian vegetation. This causes the insect to fall into the water, where it is promptly eaten. Healthy intact native riparian vegetation is very important for this species to be able to access its food requirements. (Photo: Jason Carter)

 

Empire Gudgeons, Hypseleotris compressa, migrate between freshwater and estuarine environments over the course of their life cycle. Fish passage barriers such as dams and weirs can significantly inhibit their movement. Empire gudgeons have the useful characteristic of preying on mosquito larvae. (Photo: Jason Carter)

The introduced Tilapia or Mozambique mouthbrooder (Oreochromis mossambicus),is a serious pest fish. It has successfully invaded and dominated many Queensland waterways and displaces native species by competing for aggressively for habitat and food. They are extremely hardy fish, being able to tolerate wide extremes of temperatures and are often found in highly disturbed and degraded waterways. They can be especially aggressive during the breeding season, resulting in native fish being displaced from breeding sites and thus not being able to reproduce. (Photo: Jason Carter)

For more information on this publication, please contact Simone Haigh, WetlandCare Australia on (02) 66 616 169.