Australian Native Fish
From WetlandLink
Australian native fish are a diverse and fascinating group of animals. While iconic marsupial species such as koalas and kangaroos get most of the attention, what goes on in the hidden reaches of wetlands is equally as amazing. Australia is home to approximately 300 freshwater fish species (although it is possible that there are species which are yet to be discovered) many of which are found nowhere else in the world. Overall, they display a wide variety of survival mechanisms and adaptations to the harsh Australian climate. The salamanderfish for example (Lepidogalaxias salamandroides) -only found in a 70km wide area of the south western coastline of WA - is able to survive when their pools dry up by covering itself in a mucous membrane, slowing down its metabolic rate and waiting in a small moist burrow in the sediment until the next rains fall. Some, such as the Fork-tailed catfish, incubate their eggs in their mouth until they hatch, while others, such as the Eel-tailed catfish, construct nests. Others lay their eggs on the wetland bottom in amongst gravel and vegetation and fan them protectively with their fins,keeping them clean and driving away any potential predators. Some fish spend their whole lives in freshwater while others migrate to the sea to spawn. Some can live in both freshwater and saltwater environments, utilising whichever habitat is most favourable for food, breeding and shelter opportunities. Unfortunately, like much of Australia's unique wildlife, Australian native fish have been impacted by poor land management practises and the invasion of pest species. Land clearing and the draining of wetlands has resulted in the loss of both habitat and drastically reduced water quality. Introduced pest species such as the mosquitofish, or plague minnow Gambusia holbrooki have invaded many of Australia's wetlands and compete aggressively for food, habitat and breeding sites. The health of Australia's native fish, just as much as its terrestrial wildlife, depends on the protection and maintenance of healthy waterways, and the rehabilitation of those that have become degraded.
