Hobbies And Interests
Southern Purple-Spotted Gudgeon
The Southern purple-spotted gudgeon is a native freshwater fish species that was once presumed extinct but has recently been reintroduced into the wild due to captive breeding programs, according to the Healthy Rivers website. The Southern purple-spotted gudgeon is a small fish with a small mouth, rounded tail and two dorsal fins and brown scales and two blue blotches on its tail. This fish feeds primarily on small fish, worms and tadpoles. The exact reasons for its decline are unknown but declining water levels and interactions with non-native fish species are thought to be factors.
Murray Hardyhead
The Murray hardyhead is a small native freshwater fish with a silver to dark golden body, a mid-lateral stripe and a pale belly. The Murray hardyhead also has a small mouth and a row of small teeth on both jaws. The fish feeds primarily on micro crustaceans but also water insects and algae. The biggest threat facing this fish is reduced water levels in the Murray-Darling river basin as well as an increase in salt in the water and competition with non-native fish species for resources.
Yarra Pygmy Perch
The Yarra pygmy perch is also a native freshwater species that is described as a dusky pale brownish color with a pale belly and yellow to black fins. The Yarra pgymy perch feeds primarily on water insects, insect larvae and crustaceans. This fish is also threatened because of reduced water levels, loss of aquatic vegetation and the introduction of non-native species such as trout that prey on the Yarra pygmy perch.
Southern Pygmy Perch
The Southern pygmy perch is a small native freshwater fish that has a rounded tail, a small mouth and scales that range in color from cream to gold to greenish-brown. The males have bright red fins during mating season. These fish feed primarily on water bugs, insect larva and mayflies. This fish is threatened by reduced water level, loss of aquatic vegetation and the introduction of non-native species such as trout that prey on the fish.
River Blackfish
The river blackfish is a native freshwater fish that has a long rounded body with small scales, a large head with a rounded snout and a lower jaw shorter than the upper jaw. The fish's scale colors range from yellowish-brown to a greenish-brown on the upper body with blue, yellow or purple scales underneath. The fish eats primarily water insects and smaller fish. The river blackfish is also threatened by reduced water levels caused by drought.