Australian grayling (Prototroctes maraena) fish species and information / pictures of Australian grayling - Prototroctes maraena

Australian grayling (Prototroctes maraena) fish species information

Scientific Name
Prototroctes maraena

Common Name
Australian grayling

Biology
Adults inhabit creeks and rivers, usually in cool, clear waters over gravel bottoms in sections alternating between pools and rapids. Usually found in clear, moderate to fast-flowing water in the upper reaches of rivers (sometimes to altitudes above 1000 meters). Often forming aggregations below barriers to upstream movement. Timid species that forms fast-moving shoals (Ref. 44894). Often form large schools especially prior to spawning. Feed on small crustaceans, insects and their larvae and algae. The intestinal tract is long, s specialization to assist in the breakdown of ingested plant material (Ref. 44894). Spawn: Feb.-May; 25,000-68,000 eggs which sink to bottom downstream of spawning site. Hatching: 10-20 days; larvae, 6-7 mm TL, swept downstream to estuaries and the sea, return to freshwater after 6 months.

Classification

Classified By
G?nther, 1864
Class
Ray-finned fishes (Actinopterygii)
Order
Smelts (Osmeriformes)
Family
New Zealand smelts (Retropinnidae)

Distribution

Region
Oceania
Distribution
Oceania: coastal drainages of southeastern Australia from the Grose River near Sydney southward and westward to the eastern part of South Australia, including Tasmania and King Island in Bass Strait.
Range
34°S - 45°S

Environment

Climate
Temperate
Water Temperature From
10 °C
Water Temperature To
25 °C
Depth From - meters
Unknown m
Depth To - meters
Unknown m
Zone
demersal
Environment
Marine; freshwater; brackish; demersal; anadromous (Ref. 46888)
Trophic Level
Unknown
Occurs in Marine / Salt water
True
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
33.0 cm
Common Length
18.0 cm
Phylogenetic Diversity Index
Unknown

Human Uses and Population

Human Uses
Fisheries: commercial; gamefish: yes
Vulnerability
Unknown
Resilience
Unknown
Threat To Humans
  Harmless
IUCN Red List Status
  Near Threatened (NT)