Lake Eyre hardyhead (Craterocephalus eyresii)

Scientific name: Craterocephalus eyresii Steindachner, 1883

The Lake Eyre hardyhead (Craterocephalus eyresii) is a freshwater fish of the family Atherinidae. In the aquarium it needs water at 24–30°C (75–86°F). Native range: Oceania, Lake Eyre Basin, South Australia.

Lake Eyre hardyhead care at a glance

Temperature
24–30°C (75–86°F)

Biology

Inhabits swamps, ponds, lakes, rivers, streams and lagoons. Common throughout its range, usually among weeds and over gravel beds in lakes or slow-flowing sections of streams. Occurs in both turbid and clear water: 0-110ppt, 10?-37?C. Also found in ephemeral rivers, streams, natural springs, salt lakes and man-made bores, usually around submerged vegetation over gravel substrates. Seeks refuge in bores and semi-permanent waterholes during droughts. Feeds on microcrustaceans. Breeds from January to March, and also opportunistically during floods. Important in the diet of many waterbirds including herons, cormorants and pelicans.

Source: FishBase, licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

Species facts

Scientific name
Craterocephalus eyresii
Family
Atherinidae (Silversides)
Order
Atheriniformes (Silversides)
Class
Actinopterygii (Ray-finned fishes)
Maximum length
10.0
Environment
Freshwater; brackish; benthopelagic
Climate
Temperate
Distribution
Oceania: Lake Eyre Basin, South Australia.
Conservation status (IUCN)
Not Evaluated
Threat to humans
Harmless
Resilience
High, minimum population doubling time less than 15 months (Preliminary K or Fecundity.)

Sources

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

Last updated