River blackfish (Gadopsis marmoratus)

Scientific name: Gadopsis marmoratus Richardson, 1848

The River blackfish (Gadopsis marmoratus) is a freshwater fish of the family Percichthyidae. In the aquarium it needs water at 5–20°C (41–68°F).

River blackfish care at a glance

Temperature: 5–20°C (41–68°F)

Biology

Lives in clear, flowing streams with abundant cover. Prefers streams with gravel bottoms and abundant snags. Also occurs in lakes and reservoirs. Tolerant of slightly brackish conditions (10 p.p.t.) in the tidal reaches of rivers, and a temperature range of 5?-25?C. Home-ranging; remaining within about a 20-30 meters stretch of water throughout the life span. Feeds on insects, crustaceans and small fishes; also on mollusks. The spawning season runs from November to January. A popular angling species in the south, but large fish are rare. Highly susceptible to overfishing, due to its home-ranging behavior and low fecundity. Flesh is oily and not very good eating.

Source: FishBase, licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

Species facts

Scientific name: Gadopsis marmoratus
Family: Percichthyidae (Temperate perches)
Order: Perciformes (Perch-like fish)
Class: Actinopterygii (Ray-finned fishes)
Maximum length: 60.0
Common length: 30.0
Environment: Freshwater; benthopelagic
Climate: Temperate
Distribution: Oceania: endemic to south-eastern Australia, including Tasmania. Mictochodrial 12S rRNA sequences support that G. marmoratus complex consists of two northern and southern forms.
Conservation status (IUCN): Not Evaluated
Threat to humans: Harmless
Uses: Fisheries: subsistence fisheries; gamefish: yes; aquarium: public aquariums
Resilience: Low, minimum population doubling time 4.5 - 14 years (Preliminary K or Fecundity.)