Murray hardyhead
The Murray hardyhead (Craterocephalus fluviatilis) is a species of fish in the family Atherinidae endemic to inland parts of southeastern Australia. The fish is an omnivore, feeding on small crustaceans, aquatic insects and algae.[2]
| Murray hardyhead | |
|---|---|
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Scientific classification  | |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Actinopterygii |
| Order: | Atheriniformes |
| Family: | Atherinidae |
| Genus: | Craterocephalus |
| Species: | C. fluviatilis |
| Binomial name | |
| Craterocephalus fluviatilis McCulloch, 1912 | |
Conservation
The fish was once widespread and abundant in the Murray and Murrumbidgee River systems in southern NSW and northern Victoria. However, they have suffered a serious population decline and now seem to be limited to a few sites, mainly in northern Victoria. There are very few recent records of Murray hardyheads from NSW.
The main threat to remaining populations is increasing salinity and lack of water.[2]
Murray hardyheads are now listed as an endangered species in NSW and threatened in Victoria.[2] There are heavy penalties for harming, possessing, buying, or selling them.
References
- Stoessel, D.; Ellis, I.M.; Whiterod, N.; Gilligan, D.; Wedderburn, S.D.; Bice, C. (2019). "Craterocephalus fluviatilis". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2019: e.T40692A123379212. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2019-3.RLTS.T40692A123379212.en. Retrieved 16 November 2021.
- Bray, Dianne; Thompson, Vanessa. "Murray Hardyhead, Craterocephalus fluviatilis". Fishes of Australia. Retrieved 15 October 2014.