A rare find in the west

[nsw_fisheries]

http://www.fisheries.nsw.gov.au/general/news/Newsroom/24_may_05_-_a_rare_find_in_the_west

"This document has been posted for information and to encourage discussion among yourselves. For more information from NSW DPI on the issue, please visit our web site on www.fisheries.nsw.gov.au"

[DaneCross]

A rare find in the west
24 May 2005
For only the second time in more than 20 years a new population of the endangered purple spotted gudgeon has been found in inland NSW.

The rare population of more than 70 fish was found in a small isolated pool in a tributary of the Macquarie River.

As the name suggests, purple spotted gudgeons are quite an attractive native species. They are prized fish in the aquarium trade and were once very common in NSW inland rivers; however they are now seldom seen in the wild.

NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) Manager (Fisheries Ecosystems), Bill Talbot, says the very exciting discovery was made after local landholders and recreational anglers identified the fish.

“Based on that information DPI scientific staff sampled the area, and discovered the endangered population, with fish ranging in size from 20-100 mm.

Leader of the scientific survey, Dr Dean Giligan, said”the presence of juveniles indicates that the population has successfully spawned during the warmer months”.

A small section of the tail fin was clipped (this grows back) from a sample group and this will be used for genetic tests to determine the relationship of this population to other populations of purple spotted gudgeons.

Four breeding pairs were collected and have been taken to the DPI native fish breeding facility in Narrandera where Dr Gilligan has previously successfully bred purple spotted gudgeons. Hatchery bred purple spotted gudgeons are being stocked back into suitable inland streams in an effort to re-establish populations of this rare fish.

“Because of the extended drought many streams throughout the central west and other parts have ceased to flow or shrunk into small isolated pools and swampy areas,” Mr Talbot said.

“If this continues to be the case in relation to this find, they will have to be relocated to a more permanent water supply in the area.

“We are urging anyone who sees a purple spotted gudgeon to contact the local DPI office so we can learn more about this endangered species and help with its ongoing survival and protection,” Mr Talbot said.

[DaneCross]

What the hell is a purple spotted gudgeon? Sounds like some sort of mythical creature ;D

[Girella]

A gudgeon is a small fresh water bait fish.

Nice when something lost is found again.

[Scott15]

This creek i regulary went to, we used to get stacks all ranging in size. kept a couple for my tank. awsome fish when there in full colour.Havent been out there for a while due to lack of rain but would like to see if their still there.

[agnes_jack]

I don't know about NSW but They are as common as dirty undies in queensland.
They are everywhere!!!
Have done quite a bit of collecting freshwater natives for my tanks, those purple spotted gudgeons are a very common find. Maybe we should send them some!!

Regards, Tony ;D