Scientific Name
Leptatherina wallacei

Common Name
Western hardyhead

Biology
Occurs in clear, flowing freshwater streams and upper estuaries with reduced salinities. Often schools near the surface or around the shoreline vegetation and log debris. Often seen in shoals near the surface of slow-flowing pools (Ref. 44894). Feeds mainly on insects and small crustaceans. Spawns during spring and summer. Becomes sexually mature during the first year (Ref. 44894).

Classification

Classified By

Prince, Ivantsoff & Potter, 1982

Class

Ray-finned fishes (Actinopterygii)

Order

Silversides (Atheriniformes)

Family

Silversides (Atherinidae)

Distribution

Region

Oceania

Distribution

Oceania: endemic to Australia.

Range

Unknown

Environment

Climate

Temperate

Water Temperature From

Unknown °C

Water Temperature To

Unknown °C

Depth From - meters

Unknown m

Depth To - meters

Unknown m

Zone

pelagic

Environment

Freshwater; brackish; pelagic

Trophic Level

3.28 s.e. 0.41 Based on food items.

Occurs in Marine / Salt water

False

Occurs in Brackish water

True

Occurs in Fresh Water

True

Occurs on Reefs

False

Is kept in Aquariums

False

Physical Size and Genetics

Maximum Length

7.0 cm

Common Length

4.0 cm

Phylogenetic Diversity Index

PD50 = 0.7500 many relatives (e.g. carps) 0.5 - 2.0 few relatives (e.g. lungfishes)

Human Uses and Population

Human Uses

Unknown

Vulnerability

Low vulnerability (19 of 100)

Resilience

High, minimum population doubling time less than 15 months (Preliminary K or Fecundity.)

Threat To Humans

Harmless

IUCN Red List Status

Not Evaluated