Australian grayling (Prototroctes maraena)

Scientific name: Prototroctes maraena G?nther, 1864

Australian grayling (Prototroctes maraena)

The Australian grayling (Prototroctes maraena) is a freshwater fish of the family Retropinnidae. In the aquarium it needs water at 10–25°C (50–77°F).

Australian grayling care at a glance

Temperature
10–25°C (50–77°F)

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. 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. 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.

Source: FishBase, licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

Species facts

Scientific name
Prototroctes maraena
Family
Retropinnidae (New Zealand smelts)
Order
Osmeriformes (Smelts)
Class
Actinopterygii (Ray-finned fishes)
Maximum length
33.0
Common length
18.0
Environment
Marine; freshwater; brackish; demersal; anadromous
Climate
Temperate
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.
Conservation status (IUCN)
Near Threatened (NT)
Threat to humans
Harmless
Uses
Fisheries: commercial; gamefish: yes

Sources

Taxonomy, distribution and biology data: FishBase (Froese, R. and D. Pauly, eds.), licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

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