Size

Up to 200mm (8in) TL.

Conservation Status

Not listed.

Distribution & Abundance

The banded grunter is probably the forth most widespread fish in Australia. In Central Australia it is found only in a couple of widely separated rivers , the Finke and Georgina rivers, Barkley Drainage, and a single record exists for the Neales River. They are common most places they occur.

Habitat & Ecology

This species is typically found in waterholes in larger rivers and their tributaries. They have been recorded from areas with temperatures up to 40°C (104°F) and pH values from 4.5 to 8.6. Banded grunters are omnivorous (Merrick & Schmida 1984).

Reproduction

They mature at 77mm (3in) SL for males and 88mm (3.5in) SL for females. Females between 70 and 90g (2.5-3.25 oz) produce 40,000-77,000 eggs. Spawning occurs at temperatures ranging from 26 to 33°C (79-91°F). Flooding is not considered to be necessary to induce spawning (Merrick & Schmida 1984). All information on banded grunters is based on populations outside of central Australia.

Threats

None specifically.

Conservation Action

Not relevant.

Conservation Recommendations

Undertake studies into the biology and ecology of central Australian populations.

Important References

Merrick, J. R. & Schmida, G. E. 1984. Australian Freshwater Fishes: Biology and Management. Griffith Press Ltd. 409pp.

This file was last modified:  18 March 2003