To see the other types of publications on this topic, follow the link: Australian freshwater fish.
Journal articles on the topic 'Australian freshwater fish'
Create a spot-on reference in APA, MLA, Chicago, Harvard, and other styles
Consult the top 50 journal articles for your research on the topic 'Australian freshwater fish.'
Next to every source in the list of references, there is an 'Add to bibliography' button. Press on it, and we will generate automatically the bibliographic reference to the chosen work in the citation style you need: APA, MLA, Harvard, Chicago, Vancouver, etc.
You can also download the full text of the academic publication as pdf and read online its abstract whenever available in the metadata.
Browse journal articles on a wide variety of disciplines and organise your bibliography correctly.
1
Dove, A. D. M., T. H. Cribb, S. P. Mockler, and M. Lintermans. "The Asian fish tapeworm, Bothriocephalus acheilognathi, in Australian freshwater fishes." Marine and Freshwater Research 48, no. 2 (1997): 181. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/mf96069.
Full textAbstract:
Bothriocephalus acheilognathi was collected from 13 of 38 carp (Cyprinus carpio), 2 of 4 mosquito fish (Gambusia holbrooki), and 2 of 12 western carp gudgeon (Hypseleotris klunzingeri ) in waterways of the Australian Capital Territory and New South Wales. This is the first record of this parasite in Australia, and its presence in H. klunzingeri is a new host record. B. acheilognathi presumably arrived in Australia with its introduced fish hosts and has since crossed into native fishes. This cestode may infect other native fish species, a potential that is significant given the high pathogenicity associated with infection in other known hosts.
2
Harris, J. H., R. T. Kingsford, W. Peirson, and L. J. Baumgartner. "Mitigating the effects of barriers to freshwater fish migrations: the Australian experience." Marine and Freshwater Research 68, no. 4 (2017): 614. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/mf15284.
Full textAbstract:
Declining fish communities characterise global freshwater environments, including those in Australia. Lost river connectivity through water resource development is a key cause of decline, disrupting fish migrations and threatening species productivity, viability and fisheries. Millions of dams, weirs and lesser barriers arising from water resources projects, road and rail transport and hydro-electricity schemes obstruct fish passage in rivers worldwide. Fishways are in place at few sites in Australia and globally relative to the numbers of barriers, and few mitigate the effects of barriers adequately. Most constrain the passage of fish communities and few have performed effectively when assessed against appropriate biological standards. Herein we focus on Australian experience within the global context of obstructed fish migrations, declining fish biodiversity and inadequate fishway performance. We review the migratory characteristics of Australian freshwater fish, identify the effects of different in-stream barriers and other habitat changes on the four classes of migratory behaviour and note how Australia’s highly variable hydrology presents particular challenges in mitigating fish passage barriers. Mitigation options include: basin-scale approaches; improved management of barriers, environmental flows and water quality; barrier removal; and development of improved fishway designs. Mitigation of fish-passage problems can aid in adapting to climate change effects, reversing fisheries declines and rehabilitating fish communities.
3
Jerry, Dean R. "Phylogeography of the freshwater catfish Tandanus tandanus (Plotosidae): a model species to understand evolution of the eastern Australian freshwater fish fauna." Marine and Freshwater Research 59, no. 4 (2008): 351. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/mf07187.
Full textAbstract:
The geologically complex eastern Australian coastal margin supports the highest taxonomic diversity of freshwater fishes on the continent. However, mechanisms leading to coastal biogeographic patterns are poorly understood. A 399-bp fragment of the hypervariable mtDNA control region was sequenced from populations of eel-tailed catfish (Tandanus tandanus) to determine their phylogeographic structure and to relate this to proposed biogeographic mechanisms and landform evolution. Genetic structure in Tandanus is complex, with haplotypes clustering into three lineages: a phylogenetically distant, northern Queensland clade that is probably a new species; a mid-northern New South Wales clade corresponding to the recently discovered ‘Bellinger’ Tandanus cryptic species; and a third ‘derived’ clade T. tandanus. Phylogenetic analyses suggest that eastern Australian Tandanus originally invaded freshwaters from the coast where volcanic activity in the north and increasing aridity from the Paleocene reduced inter-fluvial connections, causing genetic divergence of northern Queensland and mid-northern New South Wales populations. The haplotypes represented by Murray–Darling drainage T. tandanus were the most derived, indicating that this species originally evolved on the coast and subsequently colonised the Murray–Darling basin. Tandanus in eastern Australia is phylogenetically structured and possibly comprises three species in this region; a pattern potentially shared by other eastern Australian freshwater fishes.
4
Morrongiello, John R., Stephen J. Beatty, James C. Bennett, David A. Crook, David N. E. N. Ikedife, Mark J. Kennard, Adam Kerezsy, et al. "Climate change and its implications for Australia's freshwater fish." Marine and Freshwater Research 62, no. 9 (2011): 1082. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/mf10308.
Full textAbstract:
Freshwater environments and their fishes are particularly vulnerable to climate change because the persistence and quality of aquatic habitat depend heavily on climatic and hydrologic regimes. In Australia, projections indicate that the rate and magnitude of climate change will vary across the continent. We review the likely effects of these changes on Australian freshwater fishes across geographic regions encompassing a diversity of habitats and climatic variability. Commonalities in the predicted implications of climate change on fish included habitat loss and fragmentation, surpassing of physiological tolerances and spread of alien species. Existing anthropogenic stressors in more developed regions are likely to compound these impacts because of the already reduced resilience of fish assemblages. Many Australian freshwater fish species are adapted to variable or unpredictable flow conditions and, in some cases, this evolutionary history may confer resistance or resilience to the impacts of climate change. However, the rate and magnitude of projected change will outpace the adaptive capacities of many species. Climate change therefore seriously threatens the persistence of many of Australia’s freshwater fish species, especially of those with limited ranges or specific habitat requirements, or of those that are already occurring close to physiological tolerance limits. Human responses to climate change should be proactive and focus on maintaining population resilience through the protection of habitat, mitigation of current anthropogenic stressors, adequate planning and provisioning of environmental flows and the consideration of more interventionist options such as managed translocations.
5
Lagutkina, Lina Yurievna, Evgeniia Kuzmina, Maria Georgievna Biryukova, and Elena Pershina. "Bioproductivity of ponds of VI fish breeding zone." Vestnik of Astrakhan State Technical University. Series: Fishing industry 2019, no. 4 (December 13, 2019): 87–94. http://dx.doi.org/10.24143/2073-5529-2019-4-87-94.
Full textAbstract:
Abstract. The paper highlights the prospects of cultivating heat-loving species, such as Australian crayfish and freshwater shrimps in the VI fish breeding zone. Australian crayfish and freshwater shrimps breeding is considered economically attractive for entrepreneurs, having a limited area for farming facilities. At the same time, pond ecosystems require the individual approach and close study in terms of the environmental conditions for the cultivated species upkeeping and the natural forage base that determine the pond biological productivity. Today, there are no clear recommendations on the summer keeping warmwater aquaculture species, in particular, Australian crayfish and freshwater shrimp in the Astrakhan region. To cultivate the new objects of warmwater aquaculture in 2017-2019 the small innovative enterprise Modern Sharapovskiy Fish Breeding Complex researched the production potential of ponds of various categories for receiving marketable products; there was studied the forage base, biomass of zooplankton and zoobenthos satisfying the nutritional needs of farmed objects. As a result of experimental work, it was found that in pond No.2, where freshwater shrimps were grown, there were registered 5 species of Cladocera and 1species of Rotifera, while in pond No.1 used for breeding Australian crayfish there were registered 4 species of Rotifera and only 1 species of Cladocera. Presumably, the observed species composition of the studied ponds is specified by the selectivity of the cultivated objects in zooplankton consumption. The possibility of increasing the bio-productivity of ponds by alternate growing aquaculture and agricultural products has been considered.
6
SMALES, L. R., R. D. ADLARD, A. ELLIOT, E. KELLY, A. J. LYMBERY, T. L. MILLER, and S. SHAMSI. "A review of the Acanthocephala parasitising freshwater fishes in Australia." Parasitology 145, no. 3 (September 25, 2017): 249–59. http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/s0031182017001627.
Full textAbstract:
SUMMARYThe acanthocephalan fauna of Australian freshwater fishes was documented from field surveys, a literature survey and examination of specimens registered in Australian museums. From the 4030 fishes, representing 78 of the 354 Australian freshwater fish species (22%), examined for infection seven species of acanthocephalan were recovered. These species comprised five endemic species, three in endemic genera, two species in cosmopolitan genera, one species not fully identified and 1 putative exotic species recovered from eight species of fish. Of theseEdmonsacanthus blairifromMelanotaenia splendida,was the only acanthocephalan found at a relatively high prevalence of 38·6%. These findings are indicative of a highly endemic and possibly depauperate acanthocephalan fauna. Species richness was higher in the tropical regions than the temperate regions of the country. Exotic acanthocephalan species have either not been introduced with their exotic hosts or have been unable to establish their life cycles in Australian conditions. Consequently, acanthocephalans have not yet invaded endemic Australian fish hosts.
7
Gillanders, Bronwyn M., Travis S. Elsdon, Ian A. Halliday, Gregory P. Jenkins, Julie B. Robins, and Fiona J. Valesini. "Potential effects of climate change on Australian estuaries and fish utilising estuaries: a review." Marine and Freshwater Research 62, no. 9 (2011): 1115. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/mf11047.
Full textAbstract:
Estuaries are especially vulnerable to the impacts of climate change because changes in climatic and hydrologic variables that influence freshwater and marine systems will also affect estuaries. We review potential impacts of climate change on Australian estuaries and their fish. Geographic differences are likely because southern Australian climates are predicted to become warmer and drier, whereas northern regions may see increased precipitation. Environmental factors, including salinity gradients, suspended sediment, dissolved oxygen and nutrient concentrations, will be influenced by changing freshwater input and other climate variables. Potential impacts will vary depending on the geomorphology of the estuary and the level of build-up of sand bars across estuarine entrances. Changes to estuarine fish assemblages will depend on associated changes to salinity and estuarine-mouth morphology. Marine migrants may be severely affected by closure of estuarine mouths, depending on whether species ‘must’ use estuarine habitat and the level of migratory v. resident individuals. Depending on how fish in coastal waters locate estuaries, there may be reduced cues associated with estuarine mouths, particularly in southern Australia, potentially influencing abundance. In summary, climate change is expected to have major consequences for Australian estuaries and associated fish, although the nature of impacts will show significant regional variation.
8
Russell, D. J., F. E. Thomson, P. A. Thuesen, T. N. Power, and R. J. Mayer. "Variability in the growth, feeding and condition of barramundi (Lates calcarifer Bloch) in a northern Australian coastal river and impoundment." Marine and Freshwater Research 66, no. 10 (2015): 928. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/mf13269.
Full textAbstract:
Lates calcarifer supports important fisheries throughout tropical Australia. Community-driven fish stocking has resulted in the creation of impoundment fisheries and supplemental stocking of selected wild riverine populations. Using predominantly tag–recapture methods, condition assessment and stomach flushing techniques, this study compared the growth of stocked and wild L. calcarifer in a tropical Australian river (Johnstone River) and stocked fish in a nearby impoundment (Lake Tinaroo). Growth of L. calcarifer in the Johnstone River appeared resource-limited, with juvenile fish in its lower freshwater reaches feeding mainly on small aytid shrimp and limited quantities of fish. Growth was probably greatest in estuarine and coastal areas than in the lower freshwater river. Fish in Lake Tinaroo, where prey availability was greater, grew faster than either wild or stocked fish in the lower freshwater areas of the Johnstone River. Growth of L. calcarifer was highly seasonal with marked declines in the cooler months. This was reflected in both stomach fullness and the percentage of fish with empty stomachs but the condition of L. calcarifer was similar across most sites. In areas where food resources appear stretched, adverse effects on resident L. calcarifer populations and their attendant prey species should be minimised through cessation of, or more conservative, stocking practices.
9
Shamsi, S., A. Stoddart, L. Smales, and S. Wassens. "Occurrence of Contracaecum bancrofti larvae in fish in the Murray–Darling Basin." Journal of Helminthology 93, no. 05 (July 18, 2018): 574–79. http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/s0022149x1800055x.
Full textAbstract:
AbstractThere is a paucity of information on the diversity and occurrence of freshwater fish parasites in Australia. This study investigates the distribution and occurrence of a parasitic nematode of the genusContracaecumin freshwater fish from south-eastern Australia. Fish (n= 508) belonging to nine species and eight families were collected from eight wetlands associated with the Murrumbidgee River floodplain in the southern Murray–Darling Basin and subjected to laboratory examination. Third-stage nematode larvae were found in eight of the nine fish species. The exception was the fly-specked hardeyhead (Craterocephalus stercusmuscarum), although only one specimen of this species was examined. Nematode larvae were identified asContracaecum bancroftiusing a combined morphological and molecular approach. The parasite was most prevalent in weather loach (Misgurnus anguillicaudatus; 34.8%) and Australian smelt (Retropinna semoni; 21.4%), followed by carp (Cyprinus carpio; 9.5%), of which the former and latter are non-native species.Contracaecumprevalence differed between locations, with Two Bridges having the highest number of infected fish. This may be due to the higher number of suitable host species collected at these localities.Contracaecumspp. are parasites with low host specificity that have also been reported in Australian marine fish, humans and piscivorous birds. The high parasite prevalence in the two abundant non-native fish species in the region suggests that they act as a suitable host for this endemic parasite, resulting in the increase in the parasite population. It would be interesting to study host–parasite interactions in this area, especially if introduced fish populations declined dramatically in the attempt to eradicate them or control their population.
10
Trujillo-González, Alejandro, and Thane A. Militz. "Taxonomically constrained reporting framework limits biodiversity data for aquarium fish imports to Australia." Wildlife Research 46, no. 4 (2019): 355. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/wr18135.
Full textAbstract:
Context Biological resource use represents the most common direct threat to biodiversity. Despite this, there is a paucity of comprehensive and overarching data relating to the biological resource use. The global aquarium trade encompasses millions of individual live fishes representing thousands of marine and freshwater species traded on an annual basis. The lack of specific data systems for recording information where fish are exported or imported has resulted in limited accessible trade data. An evaluation of the data-reporting frameworks presently employed by countries engaged in the aquarium trade is warranted to better understand the means by which comprehensive data on the aquarium trade can be made more accessible. Aims This study examines the data-reporting framework of The Australian Government Department of Agriculture and Water Resources (DAWR) used to collate aquarium fish import data, and its capacity to inform on the aquarium trade biodiversity imported to Australia. Methods Aquarium import records from 2010–16 were provided by DAWR and used to determine the quantity of individual fishes and consignments imported to Australia. The potential biodiversity of imports was determined from the Australian Government’s List of Permitted Live Freshwater/Marine Fish Suitable for Import 2018 (Number 69, F2017C00079), the legislative document identifying species permitted import to Australia for the aquarium trade. Species permitted import were cross-referenced with the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List to address whether the Australian aquarium trade is importing threatened species. Key results A total of 10320 consignments encompassing more than 78.6 million aquarium fishes were imported to Australia between 2010 and 2016. A total of 4628 species of fishes were permitted import to Australia for the aquarium trade with 73 of the marine species (2.0%) and 81 of the freshwater species (7.5%) found to be threatened with some degree of extinction risk. The data-reporting framework for aquarium fish imports offered limited capacity to taxonomically differentiate imports and only 12.5% of all aquarium fishes imported could be identified to species. Conclusions The aquarium fish import records provided by DAWR had limited taxonomic resolution and, consequently, limited capacity to contribute to an improved understanding of the biodiversity imported to Australia for the aquarium fish trade. While more detailed information is available than is presently collated by DAWR, the availability of this information is constrained by the laws around protected information and the resources available to DAWR. Implications Accessible, detailed information on aquarium fish imports is necessary to support comprehensive research capable of addressing threats to biodiversity loss from the aquarium trade. To this end, the means by which Australian aquarium import data can be reported at greater taxonomic resolution under the existing legislative and resource restraints should be explored further.
11
Taylor, Matthew D. "First reports of per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in Australian native and introduced freshwater fish and crustaceans." Marine and Freshwater Research 69, no. 4 (2018): 628. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/mf17242.
Full textAbstract:
Per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are persistent organic pollutants that have been extensively used in commercial and industrial applications, such as aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) formulations. Widespread use of AFFFs has led to an increasing number of reports documenting PFAS contamination around civilian and military airports. However, research on the presence and distribution of PFASs in Australia is lacking. This study presents the first report of PFASs in Australian native and introduced freshwater species, sampled from a watercourse adjacent to the regional airport and colocated fire training ground near Tamworth, New South Wales, Australia. Perfluorooctane sulfonate was the most abundant PFAS compound in biota samples from this area, and both introduced common carp Cyprinus carpio and native Murray cod Maccullochella peelii had average concentrations higher than the Australian trigger value of 5.2μgkg–1. Common yabby Cherax destructor and golden perch Macquaria ambigua carried low concentrations, and common yabby also had low concentrations of perfluorohexane sulfonate. Differences in foraging habits provided some potential explanations of the differences observed among species. There is a clear and pressing need to better understand potential toxicological and reproductive effects of PFASs on Australian freshwater species.
12
SMALES, LESLEY R., and HAYLEE J. WEAVER. "An annotated checklist of Acanthocephala from Australian fish." Zootaxa 3985, no. 3 (July 13, 2015): 349–74. http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.3985.3.2.
Full textAbstract:
Thirty one genera, comprising 58 named species, 15 undetermined species and nine species known only as cystacanths from paratenic fish hosts were found infesting 144 marine, esturine and freshwater species of fish from Australian and Australian Antarctic waters. Host habitats are given and the distribution and records of the acanthocephalans are given. A key to these parasites at the generic level is provided.
13
Booth, David J., Nick Bond, and Peter Macreadie. "Detecting range shifts among Australian fishes in response to climate change." Marine and Freshwater Research 62, no. 9 (2011): 1027. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/mf10270.
Full textAbstract:
One of the most obvious and expected impacts of climate change is a shift in the distributional range of organisms, which could have considerable ecological and economic consequences. Australian waters are hotspots for climate-induced environmental changes; here, we review these potential changes and their apparent and potential implications for freshwater, estuarine and marine fish. Our meta-analysis detected <300 papers globally on ‘fish’ and ‘range shifts’, with ~7% being from Australia. Of the Australian papers, only one study exhibited definitive evidence of climate-induced range shifts, with most studies focussing instead on future predictions. There was little consensus in the literature regarding the definition of ‘range’, largely because of populations having distributions that fluctuate regularly. For example, many marine populations have broad dispersal of offspring (causing vagrancy). Similarly, in freshwater and estuarine systems, regular environmental changes (e.g. seasonal, ENSO cycles – not related to climate change) cause expansion and contraction of populations, which confounds efforts to detect range ‘shifts’. We found that increases in water temperature, reduced freshwater flows and changes in ocean currents are likely to be the key drivers of climate-induced range shifts in Australian fishes. Although large-scale frequent and rigorous direct surveys of fishes across their entire distributional ranges, especially at range edges, will be essential to detect range shifts of fishes in response to climate change, we suggest careful co-opting of fisheries, museum and other regional databases as a potential, but imperfect alternative.
14
Close, Paul G., Tom J. Ryan, David L. Morgan, Stephen J. Beatty, and Craig S. Lawrence. "First record of ‘climbing’ and ‘jumping’ by juvenile Galaxias truttaceus Valenciennes, 1846 (Galaxiidae) from south-western Australia." Australian Journal of Zoology 62, no. 2 (2014): 175. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/zo14004.
Full textAbstract:
Upstream migration of juvenile stages of temperate Australian amphidromous fish typically coincides with seasonally low river discharge when hydraulic (e.g. cascades) and physical (e.g. rock bars) barriers may be common. The ability to ‘climb’ or ‘jump’ may be expected to assist in negotiating low-flow barriers; however, it is presumed to be limited to a few native Australian freshwater fishes. Juvenile stages of Galaxias truttaceus Valenciennes, 1846 were observed ‘climbing’ and ‘jumping’ to successfully negotiate a low, vertical weir wall during their upstream recruitment migrations in south-western Australia. Based on this observation, we propose initial definitions for ‘climbing’ and ‘jumping’ to describe locomotory strategies employed by fishes to negotiate obstacles that would otherwise prevent free passage by normal swimming behaviour. Greater knowledge of the climbing, jumping and swimming performance, especially for small-bodied species and early life stages, will help improve the management of instream barriers for this critically endangered species and other freshwater fishes of southern Australia.
15
Adams, Mark, Timothy J. Page, David A. Hurwood, and Jane M. Hughes. "A molecular assessment of species boundaries and phylogenetic affinities in Mogurnda (Eleotridae): a case study of cryptic biodiversity in the Australian freshwater fishes." Marine and Freshwater Research 64, no. 10 (2013): 920. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/mf12237.
Full textAbstract:
As the driest inhabitable continent, it comes as no surprise that Australia has comparatively few species of freshwater-dependent fishes compared with land masses of similar size and latitudinal coverage. In addition to relatively low rainfall and few permanent waterbodies, a range of other climatic, geological, physical, and biogeographical factors are generally offered up, to account for the low species count in a country otherwise regarded as mega-biodiverse. Here, we challenge this traditional view by hypothesising that Australia’s lack of freshwater fishes largely reflects a dearth of detailed taxonomic activity. Using both allozyme and mtDNA markers, we undertook a molecular assessment on the Australian purple-spotted gudgeons (Mogurnda), recently subjected to a taxonomic revision that saw a three-fold increase in the number of described species. In addition to demonstrating additional, species-level biodiversity within M. adspersa, our genetic data revealed discordant patterns of mitochondrial and nuclear genetic affinities among populations in several species, plus a sister relationship between the two central Australian species. We discuss the broader implications of such cryptic biodiversity for the Australian freshwater fish fauna; most notable among these is our prediction that only 50% of species have been described.
16
Shamsi, S., A. Turner, and S. Wassens. "Description and genetic characterization of a newContracaecumlarval type (Nematoda: Anisakidae) from Australia." Journal of Helminthology 92, no. 2 (May 5, 2017): 216–22. http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/s0022149x17000360.
Full textAbstract:
AbstractNematode parasites belonging to the genusContracaecumare economically important parasites with zoonotic significance. AdultContracaecumspp. are found in the stomach of marine mammals or piscivorous birds, and larval stages infect a wide range of invertebrates and fish species. Human infection withContracaecumlarvae has been reported in Australia and other countries after the consumption of infected fish. Although the genusContracaecumcomprises numerous species, thus far only fourContracaecumlarval types have been specifically identified, therefore their life cycle and biology are not yet fully understood. In this study, a newContracaecumlarva (type IV), found in the intestinal tissue of carp caught from Coonancoocabil Lagoon, New South Wales, Australia, is described and characterized genetically. It was identified asContracaecum bancrofti,a unique Australian species reported previously from the Australian pelican in Northern Territory, New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia. This study highlights the role of migratory birds and introduced fish species, such as carp, in distributing zoonotic pathogens not only across the continent but also from marine to freshwater systems. Coonancoocabil Lagoon is located in the Murrumbidgee Valley National Park, a highly managed conservation area with native fish in wetlands located in close proximity to several fish farms and hatcheries. Infection of a highly resilient invasive fish species, such as carp, with a zoonotic parasite of low host specificity, such asContracaecumlarvae, should be alarming for aquaculture and environmental authorities.
17
Flint, Nicole, Michael R. Crossland, and Richard G. Pearson. "Sublethal effects of fluctuating hypoxia on juvenile tropical Australian freshwater fish." Marine and Freshwater Research 66, no. 4 (2015): 293. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/mf14120.
Full textAbstract:
Hypoxia in freshwater ecosystems of the Australian wet tropics occurs naturally, but is increasing as a result of anthropogenic influences. Diel cycling of dissolved oxygen (DO) concentration (fluctuating hypoxia) is common in the region. Laboratory experiments sought to identify relationships between severity of fluctuating hypoxia and sublethal effects on ventilation, feeding and growth for juvenile barramundi (Lates calcarifer), eastern rainbowfish (Melanotaenia splendida splendida) and sooty grunter (Hephaestus fuliginosus). Fish continued to feed and grow under daily exposure to severe fluctuating hypoxia treatments for several weeks. Ventilation rates increased in a significant direct quadratic relationship with the severity of hypoxia treatments and increasing hypoxia caused ventilatory behaviour changes in all species. Barramundi and rainbowfish attempted aquatic surface respiration and were more tolerant of severe hypoxia than was sooty grunter; barramundi and rainbowfish are also more likely to experience hypoxia in the wild. There was a significant quadratic relationship between growth and minimum DO saturation for barramundi. Although all three species were tolerant of hypoxia, anthropogenic stressors on tropical Australian aquatic ecosystems may increase the frequency and severity of hypoxic conditions causing a concomitant increase in fish kill events.
18
Lintermans, Mark, Hayley M. Geyle, Stephen Beatty, Culum Brown, Brendan C. Ebner, Rob Freeman, Michael P. Hammer, et al. "Big trouble for little fish: identifying Australian freshwater fishes in imminent risk of extinction." Pacific Conservation Biology 26, no. 4 (2020): 365. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/pc19053.
Full textAbstract:
Globally, freshwater fishes are declining at an alarming rate. Despite much evidence of catastrophic declines, few Australian species are listed as threatened under national legislation. We aim to help redress this by identifying the Australian freshwater fishes that are in the most immediate risk of extinction. For 22 freshwater fishes (identified as highly threatened by experts), we used structured expert elicitation to estimate the probability of extinction in the next ~20 years, and to identify key threats and priority management needs. All but one of the 22 species are small (<150mm total length), 12 have been formally described only in the last decade, with seven awaiting description. Over 90% of these species were assessed to have a >50% probability of extinction in the next ~20 years. Collectively, the biggest factor contributing to the likelihood of extinction of the freshwater fishes considered is that they occur in small (distributions ≤44km2), geographically isolated populations, and are threatened by a mix of processes (particularly alien fishes and climate change). Nineteen of these species are unlisted on national legislation, so legislative drivers for recovery actions are largely absent. Research has provided strong direction on how to manage ~35% of known threats to the species considered, and, of these, ~36% of threats have some management underway (although virtually none are at the stage where intervention is no longer required). Increased resourcing, management intervention and social attitudinal change is urgently needed to avert the impending extinction of Australia’s most imperilled freshwater fishes.
19
Shams, Foyez, Fiona Dyer, Ross Thompson, Richard P. Duncan, Jason D. Thiem, Zuzana Majtánová, and Tariq Ezaz. "Karyotypes and Sex Chromosomes in Two Australian Native Freshwater Fishes, Golden Perch (Macquaria ambigua) and Murray Cod (Maccullochella peelii) (Percichthyidae)." International Journal of Molecular Sciences 20, no. 17 (August 30, 2019): 4244. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/ijms20174244.
Full textAbstract:
Karyotypic data from Australian native freshwater fishes are scarce, having been described from relatively few species. Golden perch (Macquaria ambigua) and Murray cod (Maccullochella peelii) are two large-bodied freshwater fish species native to Australia with significant indigenous, cultural, recreational and commercial value. The arid landscape over much of these fishes’ range, coupled with the boom and bust hydrology of their habitat, means that these species have potential to provide useful evolutionary insights, such as karyotypes and sex chromosome evolution in vertebrates. Here we applied standard and molecular cytogenetic techniques to characterise karyotypes for golden perch and Murray cod. Both species have a diploid chromosome number 2n = 48 and a male heterogametic sex chromosome system (XX/XY). While the karyotype of golden perch is composed exclusively of acrocentric chromosomes, the karyotype of Murray cod consists of two submetacentric and 46 subtelocentric/acrocentric chromosomes. We have identified variable accumulation of repetitive sequences (AAT)10 and (CGG)10 along with diverse methylation patterns, especially on the sex chromosomes in both species. Our study provides a baseline for future cytogenetic analyses of other Australian freshwater fishes, especially species from the family Percichthyidae, to better understand their genome and sex chromosome evolution.
20
Huey, Joel A., Andrew M. Baker, and Jane M. Hughes. "High levels of genetic structure in the Australian freshwater fish, Ambassis macleayi." Journal of the North American Benthological Society 29, no. 3 (September 2010): 1148–60. http://dx.doi.org/10.1899/09-093.1.
Full text
21
Becker, Joy A., Alison Tweedie, Dean Gilligan, Martin Asmus, and Richard J. Whittington. "Experimental Infection of Australian Freshwater Fish with Epizootic Haematopoietic Necrosis Virus (EHNV)." Journal of Aquatic Animal Health 25, no. 1 (March 2013): 66–76. http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/08997659.2012.747451.
Full text
22
Farrington, Lachlan William. "Microsatellite markers for the threatened Australian freshwater fish, Macquarie Perch (Macquaria australasica)." Conservation Genetics Resources 4, no. 2 (September 7, 2011): 235–37. http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s12686-011-9514-4.
Full text
23
Pusey, Bradley J., and Angela H. Arthington. "Importance of the riparian zone to the conservation and management of freshwater fish: a review." Marine and Freshwater Research 54, no. 1 (2003): 1. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/mf02041.
Full textAbstract:
The relationship between freshwater fish and the integrity of the riparian zone is reviewed with special emphasis on the fauna of northern Australia. Linkages between freshwater fish and riparian zone processes are diverse and important. The riparian zone occurs at the interface between terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems and it may, therefore, regulate the transfer of energy and material between these systems, as well as regulating the transmission of solar energy into the aquatic ecosystem. Riparian influences on light quantity, quality and shade in streams are discussed and predictions are made about the likely impacts associated with changes in light quality. Increased rates of transfer of thermal energy between the atmosphere and the aquatic environment in the absence of an intact riparian zone may potentially disrupt reproduction by desynchronizing the thermal regimen from regional factors, such as the flow regimen, as well as having direct effects on mortality rates, body morphology, disease resistance and metabolic rates. Impacts associated with changes in light quality range from increased egg and larval mortality due to increased ultraviolet (UV) B irradiation and a decreased ability to discriminate between potential mates to increased conspicuousness to predators. Increased insolation and proliferation of exotic pasture grasses, an increasing threat in northern Australia, are shown to have a range of impacts, including changes in habitat structure, food-web structure and the facilitation of invasion by exotic fish species. The interception of terrestrial sediments and nutrients by the riparian zone has important consequences for stream fish, maintaining habitat structure, water clarity and food-web structure. Coarse organic matter donated to the aquatic environment by the riparian zones has a large range of influences on stream habitat, which, in turn, affect biodiversity and a range of process, such as fish reproduction and predation. Terrestrial matter is also consumed directly by fish and may be a very important source of energy in some Australian systems and under certain circumstances. Attention to the linkages between fish and riparian systems is essential in efforts to rehabilitate degraded stream environments and to prevent further deterioration in freshwater fish populations in northern Australia.
24
Russell, D. J., T. J. Ryan, A. J. McDougall, S. E. Kistle, and G. Aland. "Species diversity and spatial variation in fish assemblage structure of streams in connected tropical catchments in northern Australia with reference to the occurrence of translocated and exotic species." Marine and Freshwater Research 54, no. 7 (2003): 813. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/mf02046.
Full textAbstract:
The freshwater piscifauna of the watercourses of the Barron and Mitchell systems, two northern Australian catchments with adjacent headwaters, was surveyed. Fifty-eight species of fish from 26 families, including several marine vagrants, were sampled from the freshwater reaches of the Barron River, compared to 28�species from 15 families from the Mitchell River. Species diversity and richness was higher in the coastal section of the Barron catchment owing to the influence of marine vagrants and species that were estuarine dependent for part of their life cycle. Detrended correspondence analysis of fish abundance data showed that sites in the coastal Barron catchment and the Mitchell catchment were widely separated in ordination space. Historically, barriers to fish movement determined species composition in both catchments, but there have been major changes in species composition as a result of extensive translocations of native fish into the Barron catchment over the last 50 years. Five species of exotic fish, including the cichlids Tilapia mariae and Oreochromis mossambicus, were established in the Barron system and one species in the Mitchell catchment. Cherax quadricarinatus, a crustacean endemic to western drainages, has been translocated into the Barron catchment and has since become widely established. This has implications for the interbasin transfer of irrigation water between the Barron and the Mitchell catchments potentially providing a mechanism for fish, including the exotic species O. mossambicus, to spread across northern Australia.
25
Dove, A. D. M., and A. S. Fletcher. "The distribution of the introduced tapeworm Bothriocephalus acheilognathi in Australian freshwater fishes." Journal of Helminthology 74, no. 2 (June 2000): 121–27. http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/s0022149x00000160.
Full textAbstract:
AbstractNative and exotic fishes were collected from 29 sites across coastal and inland New South Wales, Queensland and Victoria, using a range of techniques, to infer the distribution of Bothriocephalus acheilognathi (Cestoda: Pseudophyllidea) and the host species in which it occurs. The distribution of B. acheilognathi was determined by that of its principal host, carp, Cyprinuscarpio; it did not occur at sites where carp were not present. The parasite was recorded from all native fish species where the sample size exceeded 30 and which were collected sympatrically with carp: Hypseleotris klunzingeri, Hypseleotris sp. 4, Hypseleotris sp. 5, Phylipnodon grandiceps and Retropinna semoni. Bothriocephalus acheilognathi was also recorded from the exotic fishes Gambusia holbrooki and Carassiusauratus. Hypseleotris sp. 4, Hypseleotris sp. 5, P. grandiceps, R. semoni and C. auratus are new host records. The parasite was not recorded from any sites in coastal drainages. The only carp population examined from a coastal drainage (Albert River, south-east Queensland) was also free of infection; those fish had a parasite fauna distinct from that of carp in inland drainages and may represent a separate introduction event. Bothriocephalus acheilognathi has apparently spread along with its carp hosts and is so far restricted to the Murray-Darling Basin. The low host specificity of this parasite is cause for concern given the threatened or endangered nature of some Australian native freshwater fish species. A revised list of definitive hosts of B. acheilognathiis presented.
26
Faulks, Leanne K., Dean M. Gilligan, and Luciano B. Beheregaray. "Phylogeography of a threatened freshwater fish (Mogurnda adspersa) in eastern Australia: conservation implications." Marine and Freshwater Research 59, no. 1 (2008): 89. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/mf07167.
Full textAbstract:
Phylogeography is a field that has the potential to provide an integrative approach to the conservation of threatened species. The southern purple spotted gudgeon, Mogurnda adspersa, is a small freshwater fish that was once common and widely distributed throughout south-eastern Australia. However, habitat alteration has dramatically reduced the size and the range of Murray–Darling Basin populations, which are now classified as endangered. Here patterns of genetic structure and evolutionary history of M. adspersa in southern Queensland and the Murray–Darling Basin are elucidated using three regions of the mitochondrial DNA, the ATPase 6 and 8 and the control region. Murray–Darling Basin populations are characterised by lineages with highly localised endemism, very low genetic diversity and restricted gene flow. Phylogenetic reconstructions show that Murray–Darling Basin populations comprise a monophyletic clade that possibly originated by range expansion from the coast around 1.6 million years ago. It is proposed that the divergent Murray–Darling Basin clade is of high conservation priority and requires separate management. The present study further exemplifies the role of drainage rearrangement in driving evolutionary diversification in Australian freshwater fishes, an historical process with profound implications for conservation management.
27
Lyon, Jarod P., Robin Hale, Adrian Kitchingman, Justin O'Connor, Joanne Sharley, and Zeb Tonkin. "Effects of tag type, morphological location and tagger experience on tag retention rates in freshwater fishes." Marine and Freshwater Research 70, no. 6 (2019): 891. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/mf18368.
Full textAbstract:
Mark–recapture of fish is often used to inform fisheries or conservation management. Given that variability in tagging efficiencies can affect estimates of population size, it is important that rates of tag rejection are quantified. We double tagged over 45000 large-bodied, long-lived fish in a turbid lowland river in south-eastern Australia. During yearly recapture fish surveys, data on tag rejection were collected. We found that the probability of tag rejection varied as a function of fish species, tag type and tagger experience. Floy tags were more likely to be rejected as dart tags in large-bodied golden perch Macquaria ambigua (6 and 3% respectively), silver perch (18 and 4% respectively) and trout cod (19 and 7% respectively), whereas rates of rejection in the large-bodied Murray cod Maccullochella peelii were similar for both tag types (12 and 10% respectively). More experienced taggers had lower rates of rejection, which varied between 1 and 48% for individual taggers. We trialled three morphological locations for passive integrated transponder (PIT) tagging of fish, with rejection rates lowest for tags implanted in the stomach cavity and highest for those implanted in the pectoral musculature. This study presents the first tag rejection rates for dart, floy and PIT tags for lowland Australian river fish, information that can help guide future monitoring programs.
28
Pusey, Bradley J., Timothy D. Jardine, Stuart E. Bunn, and Michael M. Douglas. "Sea catfishes (Ariidae) feeding on freshwater floodplains of northern Australia." Marine and Freshwater Research 71, no. 12 (2020): 1628. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/mf20012.
Full textAbstract:
Flooding of the terminal floodplains of northern Australian rivers provides a greatly expanded, productive habitat accessed by both freshwater and estuarine fishes. This study aimed to determine the extent to which sea catfishes (Ariidae) make use of floodplains and the reasons for doing so (i.e. spawning, feeding). Nine species were collected from floodplains and adjacent distributaries of the Mitchell and Flinders rivers; floodplain use was largely restricted to freshwater species. Evidence of prior wet season spawning was recorded for some species, and mesenteric lipid deposits indicated that fish were in good condition. However, little evidence of spawning on floodplains was found. Stomach content analysis and stable isotope analysis indicated dietary partitioning, particularly between freshwater and estuarine species, but also within freshwater species, and indicated that some species were responsive to variations in food availability. Isotope analyses suggest extensive movement between freshwater, estuarine and marine habitats at different life history stages for the catfish assemblage studied. Terminal floodplains of northern Australian rivers provide important temporary habitat for adult sea catfishes to feed upon, but do not appear to be used as spawning grounds.
29
Guo, R., PB Mather, and MF Capra. "Salinity tolerance and osmoregulation in the silver perch, Bidyanus bidyanus Mitchell (Teraponidae), an endemic Australian freshwater teleost." Marine and Freshwater Research 46, no. 6 (1995): 947. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/mf9950947.
Full textAbstract:
Juvenile silver perch, Bidyanus bidyanus, were subjected to direct transfer from fresh water to various test salinities. No mortality was observed when the fish were transferred from fresh water to a salinity of 12, but 40% mortality was observed at a salinity of 15 after seven days. Pre-acclimation of silver perch to a salinity of 12 for seven days resulted in only marginally better survival at higher salinities. Plasma osmotic concentrations of silver perch rose slightly in salinities below 9 but rapidly at higher salinities, following the same track as the iso-osmotic line. Minimum body water content was observed in individuals subjected to a salinity of 15 for 24 h. As found in other freshwater teleosts, chloride cells were found in the branchial epithelium of silver perch. Accessory cells were observed beside the chloride cells in both freshwater and salt-water conditions. Fish subjected to a salinity of 12 for seven days showed chloride cells with a more developed tubular system than controls. The length of the junctions between chloride cells and accessory cells was significantly shorter in fish adapted to a salinity of 12 than in controls. The ultrastructural feature of 'interdigitations' of accessory cells was not observed during salt-water adaptation. These data indicate that silver perch is the least tolerant of high salinities and the most truly freshwater Australian teleost species examined to date.
30
COOK, B. D., J. MA, M. J. HILLYER, S. D. SONG, and J. M. HUGHES. "Polymorphic microsatellite markers in an Australian freshwater fish, southern pygmy perch Nannoperca australis." Molecular Ecology Notes 6, no. 3 (September 2006): 907–8. http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1471-8286.2006.01395.x.
Full text
31
Sternberg, David, and Mark J. Kennard. "Phylogenetic effects on functional traits and life history strategies of Australian freshwater fish." Ecography 37, no. 1 (July 8, 2013): 54–64. http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1600-0587.2013.00362.x.
Full text
32
Harford, Andrew J., Kathryn O'Halloran, and Paul F. A. Wright. "Flow cytometric analysis and optimisation for measuring phagocytosis in three Australian freshwater fish." Fish & Shellfish Immunology 20, no. 4 (April 2006): 562–73. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.fsi.2005.07.005.
Full text
33
Smith, James A., Lee J. Baumgartner, Iain M. Suthers, and Matthew D. Taylor. "Distribution and movement of a stocked freshwater fish: implications of a variable habitat volume for stocking programs." Marine and Freshwater Research 62, no. 11 (2011): 1342. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/mf11120.
Full textAbstract:
Fish are commonly stocked into impoundments globally, yet their patterns of habitat use in this variable environment are rarely incorporated into the management of stocking density. The movement and distribution of Australian bass Macquaria novemaculata (Perchichthyidae) were monitored in two impoundments to assess whether: (1) impoundment populations exhibit behaviour typical of wild or riverine percichthyids; (2) changing gradients of temperature and dissolved oxygen influenced distribution; and (3) the volume of available habitat should be incorporated into the management of these fisheries. Habitat use was determined with a combination of gill netting and ultrasonic telemetry using depth-coded tags. Tagged fish displayed both crepuscular and migratory behaviour typical of the Percichthyidae, but also showed a previously unobserved division between littoral and pelagic foraging strategies. Australian bass showed no obvious thermal preferences, but avoided areas with dissolved oxygen <4 mg L–1. In one impoundment, a combination of hypoxia and water extraction reduced the volume of available habitat to 15% of maximum in March 2009, which coincided with increased catch per unit effort (CPUE) and decreased fish condition. The adaptive behaviour of Australian bass makes them well suited to the variability of impoundments, but annual and stochastic events of habitat reduction should be considered when planning stocking regimes for these fisheries.
34
Barnes, Thomas C., Claudia Junge, Steven A. Myers, Mathew D. Taylor, Paul J. Rogers, Greg J. Ferguson, Jason A. Lieschke, Stephen C. Donnellan, and Bronwyn M. Gillanders. "Population structure in a wide-ranging coastal teleost (Argyrosomus japonicus, Sciaenidae) reflects marine biogeography across southern Australia." Marine and Freshwater Research 67, no. 8 (2016): 1103. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/mf15044.
Full textAbstract:
Population structure in marine teleosts is often investigated to aid conservation and fisheries management (e.g. to assess population structure to inform restocking programs). We assessed genetic population structure of the important estuary-associated marine fish, mulloway (Argyrosomus japonicus), within Australian waters and between Australia and South Africa. Genetic variation was investigated at 13 polymorphic microsatellite markers. FST values and Bayesian estimates in STRUCTURE suggested population differentiation of mulloway within Australia and confirm strong differentiation between South Africa and Australia. The 12 Australian sample sets fell into one of four spatially separated genetic clusters. Initially, a significant signal of isolation-by-distance (IBD) was evident among Australian populations. However, further investigation by decomposed-pairwise-regression (DPR) suggested five sample sets were influenced more by genetic-drift, rather than gene-flow and drift equilibrium, as expected in strong IBD cases. Cryptic oceanographic and topographical influences may isolate mulloway populations from south-western Australia. The results demonstrate that DPR is suitable to assess population structure of coastal marine species where barriers to gene flow may be less obvious than in freshwater systems. Information on the relative strengths of gene flow and genetic drift facilitates a more comprehensive understanding of the evolutionary forces that lead to population structure, which in turn informs fisheries and assists conservation management. Large-bodied predatory scale-fish may be under increasing pressure on a global scale, owing to a variety of anthropogenic reasons. In southern Australia, the iconic sciaenid A. japonicus (mulloway, jewfish or kob) is no exception. Despite the species supporting important fisheries, much of its ecology is poorly understood. It is possible that a greater understanding of their genetic population structure can help ensure a sustainable future for the only southern Australian sciaenid.
35
Becker, Joy, Dean Gilligan, Martin Asmus, Alison Tweedie, and Richard Whittington. "Geographic Distribution of Epizootic haematopoietic necrosis virus (EHNV) in Freshwater Fish in South Eastern Australia: Lost Opportunity for a Notifiable Pathogen to Expand Its Geographic Range." Viruses 11, no. 4 (April 1, 2019): 315. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/v11040315.
Full textAbstract:
Epizootic haematopoietic necrosis virus (EHNV) was originally detected in Victoria, Australia in 1984. It spread rapidly over two decades with epidemic mortality events in wild redfin perch (Perca fluviatilis) and mild disease in farmed rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) being documented across southeastern Australia in New South Wales (NSW), the Australian Capital Territory (ACT), Victoria, and South Australia. We conducted a survey for EHNV between July 2007 and June 2011. The disease occurred in juvenile redfin perch in ACT in December 2008, and in NSW in December 2009 and December 2010. Based on testing 3622 tissue and 492 blood samples collected from fish across southeastern Australia, it was concluded that EHNV was most likely absent from redfin perch outside the endemic area in the upper Murrumbidgee River catchment in the Murray–Darling Basin (MDB), and it was not detected in other fish species. The frequency of outbreaks in redfin perch has diminished over time, and there have been no reports since 2012. As the disease is notifiable and a range of fish species are known to be susceptible to EHNV, existing policies to reduce the likelihood of spreading out of the endemic area are justified.
36
Gilmore, Sandy, Brendan Mackey, and Sandra Berry. "The extent of dispersive movement behaviour in Australian vertebrate animals, possible causes, and some implications for conservation." Pacific Conservation Biology 13, no. 2 (2007): 93. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/pc070093.
Full textAbstract:
We review categorizations of, and published evidence for, large-scale or dispersive movement in Australia's vertebrate fauna. For the purposes of this paper, dispersive movements are defined as any large scale movements, relative to an individual's territory or to the population breeding range. A continuum in dispersive behaviours can be recognized between regular annual migration and less regular more opportunistic and either more or less extensive re-colonization movements. We argue that dispersive movements can be explained in terms of individuals maximizing Darwinian fitness through optimizing net energy intake traded off against mortality risk, as these vary over space and time. We find that migration, nomadism and other forms of dispersive behaviour can be considered to differ, not in type, but merely in degree. Our review revealed evidence of dispersive movement for 36 (16%) freshwater fish species, 2 (1 %) frogs, 5 (0.6%) land and freshwater reptiles, 7 (100%) marine reptiles, 342 (51%) land and freshwater birds, 88 (56%) marine birds, 27 (8%) land and freshwater mammals, and 28 (50%) marine mammals. The Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) is the Australian Government's main legal instrument for the conservation of biodiversity. While it recognizes, and has special provisions for, international migratory species, the Act does not recognize the special conservation challenges of continental dispersive fauna. The continental dispersive fauna not recognized by the Act includes 246 bird species. We conclude that the EPBC Act needs to be amended to explicitly account for the national conservation responsibilities of the Australian Government with respect to dispersive fauna.
37
Arthington, Angela H. "Ecological and Genetic Impacts of Introduced and Translocated Freshwater Fishes in Australia." Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences 48, S1 (December 19, 1991): 33–43. http://dx.doi.org/10.1139/f91-302.
Full textAbstract:
The inland waters of Australia have been colonized successfully by 20 species of freshwater fishes introduced to the continent, including 6 poeciliids, 3 salmonids, 4 cyprinids, 5 cichlids, 1 percid and 1 cobitid, all of which reproduce there in the wild. The ecological and genetic consequences of fish introductions and translocations have concerned scientists and water authorities since the late 1960's, although the earliest introductions of salmonids for sport were made towards the end of the 19th century. Impacts of introduced fishes, including hybridization problems, habitat and water quality alterations, competition for space and food, predation and the introduction of exotic parasites and diseases are reviewed. Emphasis is placed on sub-tropical and tropical species, since they appear to present the greatest threat to natural ecosystems. Problems in the translocation of indigenous Australian fishes between drainage systems to supplement recreational fishing are noted; a review of the Lake Eacham rainbowfish, supposedly brought close to extinction in its natural habitat by translocated Australian piscivores, demonstrates that unanticipated predator–prey interactions may result from the thoughtless addition of piscivores to an endemic community. A theoretical perspective on the assessment of candidate species for introduction and translocation is given, and areas of theoretical ecology that may assist in predicting future impacts of introduced species are discussed.
38
Hossain, M. A., Q. Ye, S. C. Leterme, and J. G. Qin. "Spatial and temporal changes of three prey-fish assemblage structure in a hypersaline lagoon: the Coorong, South Australia." Marine and Freshwater Research 68, no. 2 (2017): 282. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/mf15212.
Full textAbstract:
Estuaries and coastal lagoons are the dynamic interface among marine, freshwater and terrestrial environments. The Coorong, an Australian wetland, has been ecologically degraded by protracted drought and subsequent low freshwater flow, and transformed into a hyper-saline lagoon system. The Coorong consists of the North and South lagoons and connects to the Southern Ocean through a narrow channel at Murray Estuary. The present study investigated spatiotemporal variation of three primary prey-fish assemblage in the Murray Estuary and Coorong. Spatial change in prey-fish assemblage was detected, but temporal variation was not obvious. Prey-fish assemblage was dominated by greater abundance of small-mouth hardyhead (Atherinosoma microstoma) in the South Lagoon. There was low abundance of sandy sprat (Hyperlophus vittatus) and Tamar goby (Afurcagobius tamarensis) in North Lagoon, and complete absence of both species in South Lagoon. The spatial variation in the distribution of prey-fish assemblage was attributed to elevated salinity gradients (Murray Estuary: 2–30; North Lagoon: 11–75; and South Lagoon: 40–85). The change of prey-fish assemblage is mainly driven by the salinity variation in the Murray Estuary and Coorong. The present study has improved our understanding on the dynamics of small-bodied prey-fish assemblage and key environmental factors regulating fish distribution in the Murray Estuary and Coorong.
39
Holdway, Douglas A., Jenelle Hefferman, and Anna Smith. "Multigeneration assessment of nonylphenol and endosulfan using a model Australian freshwater fish,Melanotaenia fluviatilis." Environmental Toxicology 23, no. 2 (April 2008): 253–62. http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/tox.20329.
Full text
40
Lyon, J. P., T. J. Ryan, and M. P. Scroggie. "Effects of temperature on the fast-start swimming performance of an Australian freshwater fish." Ecology of Freshwater Fish 17, no. 1 (March 2008): 184–88. http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1600-0633.2007.00244.x.
Full text
41
Rowland, Stuart J. "Preliminary Evaluation of the Australian Freshwater Fish Silver Perch,Bidyanus bidyanus,for Pond Culture." Journal of Applied Aquaculture 4, no. 1 (July 1994): 39–48. http://dx.doi.org/10.1300/j028v04n01_04.
Full text
42
Rowland, Stuart J. "Hormone-induced spawning of the Australian freshwater fish Murray cod, Maccullochella peeli (Mitchell) (Percichthyidae)." Aquaculture 70, no. 4 (June 1988): 371–89. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/0044-8486(88)90121-4.
Full text
43
Shelley, James J., Tim Dempster, Matthew C. Le Feuvre, Peter J. Unmack, Shawn W. Laffan, and Stephen E. Swearer. "A revision of the bioregionalisation of freshwater fish communities in the Australian Monsoonal Tropics." Ecology and Evolution 9, no. 8 (March 29, 2019): 4568–88. http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/ece3.5059.
Full text
44
Erskine, W. D., M. J. Saynor, L. Erskine, K. G. Evans, and D. R. Moliere. "A preliminary typology of Australian tropical rivers and implications for fish community ecology." Marine and Freshwater Research 56, no. 3 (2005): 253. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/mf04078.
Full textAbstract:
Australian tropical rivers are dependent on highly seasonal rainfall and runoff between November and April. They also transport low sediment and solute loads, except where catchments have been disturbed by mining, grazing and cropping. Aquatic habitats or channel units are the physical template influencing fish communities. Pools provide dry-season refuges for fish and channels provide pathways for movement between refuges when streamflows are re-established. A preliminary geomorphological typology of Australian tropical river reaches (excludes estuaries) is proposed that defines nine distinct river types: (1) bedrock rivers (upland channels and gorges); (2) bedrock-confined rivers; (3) avulsive rivers; (4) meandering rivers (confined meandering, laterally migrating unconfined and laterally stable unconfined); (5) straight rivers; (6) floodouts; (7) island- and ridge-anabranching rivers; (8) co-existent mud-braided and anabranching rivers; and (9) extensive freshwater wetlands and billabongs. Many of these have not been recognised overseas and are unique. Channel units differ greatly between river types and contribute to distinctive fish communities in different river types. As expected, fish diversity decreases upstream because of less diverse habitat and natural barriers to fish movement at steps, falls and turbulent cascades and rapids. Fish kills occur in most years and are caused by several different factors that reduce dissolved oxygen.
45
Ellis, Iain M., Daniel Stoessel, Michael P. Hammer, Scotte D. Wedderburn, Lara Suitor, and Arkellah Hall. "Conservation of an inauspicious endangered freshwater fish, Murray hardyhead (Craterocephalus fluviatilis), during drought and competing water demands in the Murray–Darling Basin, Australia." Marine and Freshwater Research 64, no. 9 (2013): 792. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/mf12252.
Full textAbstract:
Approximately 40% of Australian freshwater fish species are of conservation concern, largely because of the impacts of river regulation, habitat fragmentation and alien fishes. Murray hardyhead is a threatened fish endemic to the southern Murray–Darling Basin in Australia, which has declined significantly in range and abundance since European settlement. Conservation of the species has relied largely on environmental watering of off-channel wetlands where isolated populations persist. This became problematic during recent drought (1997–2010) because of competing demands for limited water, and resentment towards environmental watering programs from communities that themselves were subject to reduced water entitlements. In response, emergency conservation measures prioritised the delivery of environmental water to minimise applied volumes. Captive maintenance programs were established for fish rescued from four genetically distinct conservation units, with varying levels of breeding success. Several translocations of wild and captive-bred fish to surrogate refuge sites were also conducted. Future recovery of the species should secure existing natural and stocked populations and translocate fish to additional appropriate sites to spread risk and reinstate natural pathways for dispersal. The approach to the conservation of Murray hardyhead during extreme environmental conditions provides insights to inform the management of fishes in other drought-prone regions of the world.
46
L. Morgan, David, Dean C. Thorburn, and Howard S. Gill. "Salinization of southwestern Western Australian rivers and the implications for the inland fish fauna - the Blackwood River, a case study." Pacific Conservation Biology 9, no. 3 (2003): 161. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/pc030161.
Full textAbstract:
Increasing salinities throughout southwestern Western Australia, facilitated by extensive land clearing, have compromised the region's highly endemic freshwater fishes. Salinization of the Blackwood River has resulted in the main channel and upper cleared catchment being dominated by estuarine and halotolerant teleosts. The non-halotolerant species are restricted to the forested non-saline tributaries of the lower catchment. Of the 12 943 fish (13 species) captured in 113 sites, the halotolerant introduced Mosquitofish Gambusia holbrooki was widespread and the most abundant, representing almost 52% of fish caught. The estuarine Western Hardyhead Leptatherina wallacei, which was also widespread throughout the main channel and upper catchment, was the next most abundant, representing ca. 24% of fish caught. Freshwater endemics represented ca. 23% of captures, with the Western Minnow Galaxias occidentalis and Western Pygmy Perch Edelia vittata accounting for most (i.e., ca. 20%). There were significant differences in teleost communities among the naturally vegetated, low salinity tributaries of the river compared with the main channel and upper cleared catchment. While the forested tributaries still contain populations of E. vittata, Nightfish Bostockia porosa and Mud Minnow Galaxiella munda, the elevated salinities in the upper reaches of the Blackwood River system appear to have caused a massive decline in, or extinction of, populations of these species. The protection of the region's unique freshwater teleosts relies on the preservation of their remaining habitat in both the uncleared catchments of the region and in the low salinity forested tributaries within largely cleared systems, such as those in the Blackwood River catchment.
47
Lyon, Jarod P., Charles Todd, Simon J. Nicol, Alasdair MacDonald, Daniel Stoessel, Brett A. Ingram, Richard J. Barker, and Corey J. A. Bradshaw. "Reintroduction success of threatened Australian trout cod (Maccullochella macquariensis) based on growth and reproduction." Marine and Freshwater Research 63, no. 7 (2012): 598. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/mf12034.
Full textAbstract:
Internationally, re-introductions of endangered species into their former ranges have largely failed. Here we assess a successful reintroduction program of the endangered trout cod (Maccullochella macquariensis) and examine factors contributing to this success. Stocking of marked fish (all stocked fish were marked) occurred between 1997 and 2006 in the Ovens River, south-eastern Australia, where trout cod were historically abundant but locally extinct by the 1980s. We found no natural recruits (i.e. from spawnings of stocked fish in the wild) over the age of six, indicating that natural recruitment started at most five years after stocking began. Of the 83 fish we examined for sexual maturity, 12 were immature, 20 were male, and 51 were female. The body length at which 50% of the population can be considered mature was 325 and 250 mm for females and males, respectively. The length at which 90% of the population was mature was 394 and 318 mm for females and males, respectively. The smallest mature female was 245 mm. Average relative fertility was 9 eggs g–1 fish weight. The results we obtained provide valuable insights into the aspects contributing to the success of reintroduction programs for endangered freshwater species.
48
McGlashan, D. J., J. M. Hughes, and S. E. Bunn. "Within-drainage population genetic structure of the freshwater fish Pseudomugil signifer (Pseudomugilidae) in northern Australia." Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences 58, no. 9 (September 1, 2001): 1842–52. http://dx.doi.org/10.1139/f01-113.
Full textAbstract:
Dendritic channel patterns have the potential to isolate populations within drainages, depending on the relative position within the stream hierarchy of the populations. We investigated the extent of genetic subdivision in the Australian freshwater fish Pseudomugil signifer (Kner) (Pseudomugilidae) from two drainages in northern Queensland, Australia, using allozyme techniques. The drainages were adjacent and had similar channel patterns each with two major subcatchments coalesced to an estuarine confluence. Analysis of 30 sites across the two drainages revealed that although there was significant genetic variation among sites in both drainages, this was not between the two subcatchments in either case. This result did not support predictions of the stream hierarchy model (SHM), which would predict higher levels of variation among subcatchments than within them, nor did it suggest that estuarine conditions represent a significant barrier to dispersal in this species. More variation was among sites within each subcatchment. Multidimensional scaling plots revealed that, although most sites within a drainage were similar to one another, outlier sites occurred in each drainage, so correlations between genetic distance and geographic distance were weak. We suggest that the distance between sites and the probability of connectivity between sites may better explain the observed distribution of genetic diversity.
49
King, A. J. "Ontogenetic dietary shifts of fishes in an Australian floodplain river." Marine and Freshwater Research 56, no. 2 (2005): 215. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/mf04117.
Full textAbstract:
The early life of fishes is marked by rapid development when individuals are thought to optimise their success through ontogeny by altering ecological niches and resources. Since most fish larvae are thought to require small prey items at first feeding, competition for potentially limiting food resources may occur between species creating a juvenile bottleneck, which may, in turn, influence future recruitment strength. The diets of the early life stages of most Australian freshwater fish are poorly known. The present study investigated the ontogenetic dietary patterns of six species of fish in an Australian floodplain river. A large proportion of first-feeding larvae of three species (Murray cod, Australian smelt and carp) were able to feed externally while still retaining their yolk sac. All species demonstrated major dietary shifts from newly hatched larvae through development into juvenile stages and adulthood. Only a few minor overlaps in diet were found, with greater overlaps commonly occurring between sequential stages of the same species, reflecting subtle ontogenetic changes. Despite two co-occurrences of an introduced and a native species using the same rearing habitat as larvae, dietary preferences did not significantly overlap, suggesting that a recruitment bottleneck caused by competition for food resources is unlikely for these species.
50
McGlashan, Dugald J., and Jane M. Hughes. "Extensive genetic divergence among populations of the Australian freshwater fish, Pseudomugil signifer (Pseudomugilidae), at different hierarchical scales." Marine and Freshwater Research 53, no. 5 (2002): 897. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/mf01107.
Full textAbstract:
The 'island' nature of river systems limits the possibility of dispersal in freshwater fish species, with many displaying extensive genetic subdivision across their ranges. We examined the population genetic structure of the predominantly freshwater fish, Pseudomugil signifer, at fine, medium and broad scales using allozyme and mitochondrial DNA techniques. Extensive genetic subdivision across the range (FST = 0.6) at six polymorphic allozyme loci was partitioned mostly among river-system drainages (42%). Patterns of mitochondrial DNA sequences, which mirrored previous taxonomic designations and a terrestrial biogeographic barrier, identified two major groups. The level of divergence between the groups implied a considerable period of isolation. At a more localized scale, significant genetic differences between adjacent drainages implied that flood events are not effective transport mechanisms and indicate that populations of P. signifer in different drainages are essentially independent units. The history of P.�signifer appears to be dominated, at different spatial scales, by long periods of isolation among drainages mediated by changes in sea-level, which merge and isolate drainages haphazardly over time. The chance nature of dispersal, coupled with isolation and potential population size fluctuations, probably leads to the observed complex patterns of genetic divergence.