Murray hardyhead
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Actinopterygii
Order: Atheriniformes
Family: Atherinidae
Genus: Craterocephalus
Species:
C. fluviatilis
Binomial name
Craterocephalus fluviatilis
McCulloch, 1912

The Murray hardyhead (Craterocephalus fluviatilis) is a species of fish in the family Atherinidae endemic to inland parts of southeastern Australia. The fish is an omnivore, feeding on small crustaceans, aquatic insects and algae.[2]

Conservation

The fish was once widespread and abundant in the Murray and Murrumbidgee River systems in southern NSW and northern Victoria. However, they have suffered a serious population decline and now seem to be limited to a few sites, mainly in northern Victoria. There are very few recent records of Murray hardyheads from NSW.

The main threat to remaining populations is increasing salinity and lack of water.[2]

Murray hardyheads are now listed as an endangered species in NSW and threatened in Victoria.[2] There are heavy penalties for harming, possessing, buying, or selling them.

References

  1. ↑ Stoessel, D.; Ellis, I.M.; Whiterod, N.; Gilligan, D.; Wedderburn, S.D.; Bice, C. (2019). "Craterocephalus fluviatilis". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2019: e.T40692A123379212. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2019-3.RLTS.T40692A123379212.en. Retrieved 16 November 2021.
  2. 1 2 3 Bray, Dianne; Thompson, Vanessa. "Murray Hardyhead, Craterocephalus fluviatilis". Fishes of Australia. Retrieved 15 October 2014.


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