22KK jpeg Male, 40mm (1.6in) TL. Brisbane River system, Brisbane, coastal Queensland. Neil Armstrong photo

Taxonomy

The taxonomy of hypseleotrids from eastern and south-eastern Australia is presently unresolved. It appears that several undescribed species are present. Differentiating between adults of these species is difficult. Juveniles cannot be distinguished.

Size

To 60mm (2.4in) TL. They are typically found around 20-35mm (0.8-1.4in).

Conservation Status

Not listed.

Distribution & Abundance

Within Central Australia, they are widespread and usually abundant in Cooper Creek and the Bulloo River. It is also found throughout the Murray-Darling Drainage Basin and coastal drainages from the Hunter River north of Sydney to the Fitzroy River at Rockhampton.

Habitat & Ecology

This species can typically be found in all riverine habitats from small short lasting waterholes through to large permanent ones. I feel that they are also probably one of the more migratory of the smaller species. They are generally carnivorous, although some plant matter may be eaten.

Reproduction

Western carp gudgeon are sexually dimorphic. They usually spawn in spring and early summer at temperatures over 20°C (68°F). Females mature at 30mm (1.2in) TL and deposit between 1,000-2,000 eggs on a hard object close to the water surface. Males guard the eggs until fry hatch in fifty hours. Fry are 2mm (0.08in) long at hatching. There is no further parental care after hatching (Lake 1967).

Threats

None specifically.

Conservation Action

Not relevant.

Conservation Recommendations

Undertake research into the taxonomy, biology, and ecology of central Australian populations.

Important References

Lake, J. S. 1967. Rearing experiments with five species of Australian freshwater fishes I. Inducement to spawning. Australian Journal of Freshwater and Marine Research. 18: 137-153.

This file was last modified:  18 March 2003