Gadopsis marmoratus Richardson, 1848
River blackfish
Gadopsis marmoratus
photo by Aland, G.

Family:  Percichthyidae (Temperate perches)
Max. size:  60 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  benthopelagic; freshwater
Distribution:  Oceania: endemic to south-eastern Australia, including Tasmania (Ref. 5259). Mictochodrial 12S rRNA sequences support that G. marmoratus complex consists of two northern and southern forms (Ref. 54370).
Diagnosis:   
Biology:  Lives in clear, flowing streams with abundant cover (Ref. 5259, 44894). Prefers streams with gravel bottoms and abundant snags. Also occurs in lakes and reservoirs (Ref. 5259). 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 (Ref. 44894). Feeds on insects, crustaceans and small fishes (Ref. 5259) ; also on mollusks (Ref. 2156). 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 (Ref. 44894). Flesh is oily and not very good eating.
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 12 February 2019 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


Source and more info: www.fishbase.org. For personal, classroom, and other internal use only. Not for publication.