42KK jpeg 100mm (4in) TL from Dalhousie Springs. Ross Felix photo.

Taxonomy

The taxonomy of Australian mogurndas was recently briefly reviewed by Allen & Jenkins (1999). Genetic evidence suggests that there are several more species present than presently recognised.

Size

To around 150mm (6in) TL.

Conservation Status

Not listed.

Distribution & Abundance

Restricted to Dalhousie Springs where they are usually common, although rarely abundant.

Habitat & Ecology

In Dalhousie Springs, they may be found from throughout the entire spring system, however they are most abundant well away from the spring source in shallow Phragmites swamps. Dalhousie mogurnda are probably an ambush predator. They are essentially carnivorous, and will feed upon items such as invertebrates and fish.

Reproduction

Spawning for all Australian Mogurnda spp. is basically the same. In nature, they probably spawn throughout the warmer months of the year. In aquaria, they spawn at temperatures over 20°C (68°F). Females lay between 200-800 eggs, usually on the underside of a hard object. The male guards the eggs until fry hatch in seven days. Spawnings are generally repeated, as long as temperature is maintained above 20°C (68°F) (Young 1987; Hanson 1988). Fry are around 5mm (0.2in) long and they will eat newly hatched brine shrimp as a first food. There is no further parental care after hatching. They also have several sexually dimorphic characters, although the differences are subtle. The genus Mogurnda is one of the few for which life history information is available based upon central Australian individuals.

Threats

The greatest threat is their restricted habitat. In Dalhousie Springs the principal threat is the potential introduction of exotic species.

Conservation Action

Dalhousie Springs is completely enclosed within Witjira National Park. There is also ongoing population monitoring being conducted in South Australia by Bryan Pierce from the South Australian Research and Development Institute.

Conservation Recommendations

Continue regular population monitoring at Dalhousie Springs.

Important References

Allen, G.R. & Jenkins, A.P. 1999. A review of the Australian freshwater gudgeons, genus Mogurnda (Eleotridae) with descriptions of three new species. Aqua, Journal of Ichthyology and Aquatic Biology. 3(4): 141-156.

Hansen, B. 1988. The purple-spotted gudgeon, Mogurnda adspersa. Fishes of Sahul. 5(1): 200-202. (Journal of the Australian New Guinea Fishes Association, Australia).

Young, M. 1987. A tank breeding of Mogurnda mogurnda. Fishes of Sahul. 4(3): 174-177. (Journal of the Australian New Guinea Fishes Association, Australia).

This file was last modified:  18 March 2003