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Diadromous Least Concern ⚠️ Venomous ⚡ Venomous 🌡️ Temperate

Bullrout

Notesthes robusta Günther, 1860
Max Length
30 cm
Max Weight
-
Lifespan
-
Trophic Level
3.1
Depth
-
Climate
Temperate
Resilience
Very low
Vulnerability
64.00/100
Typical Length
20 cm
Depth Zone
demersal

📖 Overview

Occur in freshwater streams and brackish shore areas. Inhabit still or gently flowing freshwater streams over rock, mud or gravel, a bottom-dwelling fish. Usually found near aquatic vegetation or woody debris. During rainy periods, may migrate downstream into estuaries, but they normally frequent fresh water. Relatively sedentary species, spending majority of their time stationary on the bottom or among weeds waiting for prey. Breed in fresh water, as juveniles have been collected from the upper reaches of rivers, including impoundments. Both adults and juveniles have venomous dorsal, anal and pelvic spines and therefore should not be handled .

Scientific Name
Notesthes robusta
Authority
Günther, 1860
Habitat
Diadromous
Climate
Temperate
IUCN Status
LC
Max Length
30 cm
Trophic Level
3.1
Resilience
Very low
Vulnerability
64.00/100
Migration
Catadromous
Water Temp
10–30 °C
Salinity
30–40 ppt

🔬 Taxonomy

Genus
Notesthes
Notesthes
Species
Bullrout
Notesthes robusta

🐟 Physical Description

Physical description for Bullrout is currently being compiled.

🌀 Behaviour

Behavioural data for Bullrout is currently being reviewed.

🦐 Diet

aquatic invertebrates
small fish
algae
detritus

🥚 Reproduction

🐣 Oviparous 📦 Batch Spawner
Spawning Season
spring
Spawn Location
Substrate
Fertilization
External

🌍 Habitat & Distribution

Marine; freshwater; brackish; demersal; catadromous . Temperate; 10°C - 30°C ; 10°S - 38°S South Wales, Australia.

🌿 Ecology

Zone Preferences
🌊 Marine 💧 Freshwater 🌿 Brackish ⬇️ Benthic
Migration
Catadromous
Trophic Level
3.1±0.46

📐 Morphometrics

Length–Weight Relationship: W = 0.0195 × L3.03 (TL)
Max TL
30cm

🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance

Temperature Range
10–30°C
Salinity Range
30–40ppt

🛡️ Conservation Assessment

IUCN Category
Least Concern
Assessment Date
2019

📊 Population Risk & Fisheries

Population Resilience
Very low
Minimum doubling time
Fishing Vulnerability
64.00/100
High vulnerability
Trophic Level
3.1
Predator
Climate Zone
Temperate
Described By
Günther, 1860

⚠️ Venom Profile

Medical Warning: This species is venomous. Seek immediate medical attention if envenomated. Contact emergency services and follow first aid guidance below.
Venom Type
proteinaceous neurotoxin
Delivery
dorsal, anal, and pelvic fin spines
Potency
Severe
Mortality Risk
Low
Symptom Onset
5min
Duration
24.0hrs
Antivenom
✗ Not Available
Named Toxins
high-molecular-weight protein (Stonustoxin analogue) acetylcholine
Symptoms
  • immediate intense pain
  • swelling
  • erythema
  • occasional nausea and weakness
Affected Body Systems
peripheral nervous system cardiovascular
First Aid
Immerse affected area in hot water (45 C, tolerable) for 30-90 minutes to denature toxin. Do not apply ice.
Medical Treatment

Analgesia; wound care; tetanus prophylaxis; severe cases may require monitoring for systemic effects.

References: Compiled from Bhide (2018), Halstead et al. (1988) and family-specific envenomation literature

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