Pseudaphritidae (Catadromous icefishes) |
36 cm TL (male/unsexed) |
benthopelagic; freshwater; brackish; depth range 0 - 4 m, catadromous |
Oceania: southeast Australia, including Tasmania. |
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Found in streams and estuaries. Inhabits slow-flowing water around log snags, under over-hanging banks or among leaf litter (Ref. 5259, 44894). Adult fish migrate downstream to spawn in weedy estuaries from late April to August (Ref. 5259). Feeds on insects, crustaceans, mollusks, worms and fishes (Ref. 5259, 44894). Often buries itself in the substrate to ambush passing prey. A highly efficient osmo-regulator, able to withstand direct transfer from salt to fresh water without any indication of stress. Good eating, but too small to be considered a prime angling target (Ref. 44894). |
Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 14 February 2019 Ref. (130435)
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harmless |
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