Twospine blackfish
📖 Overview
Occur in cool, clear streams with rocky bottoms in mountain terrain ; with fast to moderate flow . Often abundant at altitudes of 200-700 m . Benthic, nocturnally active species which usually occur solitary. Juveniles often found in large groups among leaf litter and wood debris. Movements are restricted to a relatively small stretch of river over the duration of the life span. Occur with G. marmoratus at lower elevations, but they have different habitat preferences. Feed on insect larvae, fishes, fish eggs, earthworms and crustaceans. Breed between October and December. Sexual maturity is attained after 2 years . Often caught by recreational fishers targeting trout, although not a desirable target due to its small size .
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 1 - 3; Dorsal soft rays (total): 35 - 38; Anal spines: 3; Anal soft rays: 17 - 20; Vertebrae: 46 - 49. Adults are brown to blackish along the sides, with variable mottled or blotched patterns bordered by yellow, and whitish ventrally .: fusiform / normal.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Twospine blackfish is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
Male guard the eggs and developing larvae until yolk sac is almost completely resorbed .
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Freshwater; demersal. Temperate; 34°S - 36°S endemic to Australia.
🌿 Ecology
insect larvae, fishes, fish eggs, earthworms and crustaceans
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🔍 Similar Species
👥 Community & Contribute
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