Australian Natives Talk

Australian Natives Talk - June 14, 1999 (FishRoom Log)

JuanMi says: I am very glad we can have another meeting in Fishroom after so long, and that you can be here. I hope we can reestablish in Fishroom this very good way to obtain information about our loved animals, to make more friends and to promote FishRoom.
JuanMi says: Today we have an special guest as our speaker. Ken Boorman, from Australia, has agreed to share with us his experience in the keeping of such fantastic fish as are the Australian Natives. Ken has kept fish for more than 30 years, since he was 10. A good part of this time he has dedicated exclusively to collect, keep and breed Australian natives in his numerous home aquariums. These fish belonging to several families. Ken can be by all rights considered an expert in such a field and I am sure we will get the considered an expert in such a field and I am sure we will get thrilled by what he has to tell us about such beautiful and interesting fish as are Australian natives. Thanks for being here Ken.

Rhad says: Thanks Juan for those encouraging words.

Rhad says: Good evening to you all and welcome to my talk on Australian fish for aquariums. Australia, the smallest continent, also has the smallest number of endemic fish outside of the Polar regions. However, there are 18 families of fish present, with numerous species and varieties. There is a great range of water conditions; as far as temperature, pH, salinity, and hardness are concerned. Probably because of all these diverse water conditions, there are a considerable number of families represented, with abundant species. There are relict populations e.g.. Lungfish and Saratogas, all the way through to the still-evolving Rainbowfish group.

Rhad says: There are two Bony-tongues, or some call them arowanas, occurring in Australia. Scleropages jardinii and S. leichardti. Both these species are big fish requiring large tanks to prosper in. Both grow up to 90 cm. but are common to about 50 cm. They should be maintained between 18C - 33C, with the jardinii preferring it slightly warmer. They are carnivorous and naturally eat crustaceans, insects and fish. In captivity they can be trained to take fresh and frozen food. They are both mouthbrooders, however jardinii, as far as I know, have not been bred in captivity. pH about 8, Total hardness up to 100 PPM. They both swim in the mid to upper 1/2 of the tank and are strong jumpers.

Rhad says: Galaxians, or native minnows, are generally acknowledged to be the Southern Hemisphere stand-ins for salmon or trout. With 21 species found in the lower half of the continent (15 species in Tasmania alone), they represent the major constituency of the ichthyo-fauna of Southern Australia. All these species are small fish with sizes ranging from about 4 cm. to 23 cm. Most of these fish are drab, with only a few species having display potential. They should be mostly maintained between 15C - 20C, with only a few species preferring it slightly warmer. They are carnivorous and naturally eat insects and small crustaceans. Some in this family have wholly marine or littoral stages in their development. pH of around 7 - 8 is suitable, and Total hardness up to 100 PPM.

Rhad says: Fork-tailed Catfish (Ariidae) have only 5 species represented in Australian freshwater systems. All but 2 are too big for the home aquarium. Both Arius berneyi and A. graeffei are hardy and active, and make good displays with like-sized fish. With A. graeffei growing to 50 cm. and A. berneyi 40 cm., these should be able to hold their own in a cichlid tank. Kept between 20C - 27C, these catfish are carnivorous, with A. graeffei also accepting prepared foods. PH about 6.5 - 8, Total hardness up to 100 PPM. Whilst A. graeffei is a mouthbrooder, it is only assumed A. berneyi is too.

Rhad says: Eel-Tailed Catfish (Plotosidae) comprise the bulk of the Australian freshwater catfish. There are 12 species with probably 6 being kept in aquariums. These are: Anodontiglanis dahli (to 40 cm), Neosilurus ater (to 45 cm), N. hyrtlii (to 30 cm), Porochilus argenteus (to 35 cm), P. obbesi (to 12 cm), Tandanus tandanus (to 90 cm - usually only as juveniles). Maintained between 20C - 30C, all these catfish do swim at all levels of the tank but prefer the lower half. pH 6.5 - 8, Total hardness to 100 PPM. Whilst prefer the lower half. pH 6.5 - 8, Total hardness to 100 PPM. Whilst difficult to breed in captivity, it is possible in outdoor ponds. Mainly carnivorous, they will accept tubifex, chopped earthworms, insect larvae and frozen foods.

Rhad says: Hardyheads (Atherinidae) are small, schooling, fish with basically drab colouration. Of the 13 species present in Australian freshwater, only two are generally kept due to availability and display potential. Craterocephalus stercusmuscarum is found along the east coast from about the Mary River north to Cairns. There are also reports of their presence from the Jardine River in far north Queensland, westwards through the Gulf of Carpentaria drainages to Darwin. C. stramineus, (formerly Quirichthys), has been collected from only a few rivers including the upper Gregory, Katherine, Daly, Victoria, and the Ord. All these are found from North West Australia to the Gulf of Carpentaria. C. stramineus prefers temps from 24C - 28C, pH 7.5 - 8, with Total hardness 250 - 300 PPM. These are non- aggressive fish if kept in the sex ratio of 3 females to every male, and should be more widely kept. C. stercusmuscarum, on the other hand prefers temps from 22C - 26C, PH 6.5 - 7, and Total hardness to 100 PPM. Again, these fish make great mixed or species tank inhabitants which do best if kept in small schools. They will readily accept flake foods. They both grow to about 6 cm.

Rhad says: There is one species of the family Scorpaenidae found in Australian freshwaters. It is Notesthes robusta, commonly called the Bullrout. Whilst having rather non-descript, blotchy colouration, it is however, kept as an oddity due to the row of poisonous spines formed by its dorsal fin. There are also bony ridges and spines found on its head. N. robusta is found in coastal drainages from the northern tip of Cape York down to just south of Sydney. They grow to about 30 cm., and are carnivorous taking shrimps, worms and small fish. They are found from Estuarine conditions to far inland indicating a wide tolerance of water conditions.

Rhad says: The Glassfishes (Ambassidae) have 8 species found in Australian waters. There are 3 commonly kept in aquariums. Ambassis agassizii is found from about Cooktown in North Queensland, down to about Sydney in the south, and through the Murray-Darling system through Victoria and South Australia. A. macleayi ranges from the Carson river in Western Australia across the Gulf to the Jardine River near the tip of Cape York in Queensland. Denariusa bandata has very restricted, isolated local populations. It has been recorded from the northern portion of the Northern Territory between the Daly and East Alligator Rivers, and in Queensland from the Jardine River system at the northern extremity of Cape York, and the Murray Swamps area near Cardwell. It is recommended that these fish be kept in groups of about 6 - 10. A. agassizii does best in temperatures from 22C - 25C, whilst the other two prefer warmer temperatures between 25C - 29C. They can be all kept in pH about 6.2. A. agassizii and A. macleayi - Total Hardness to 80 PPM, and agassizii and A. macleayi - Total Hardness to 80 PPM, and D. bandata to only 20 PPM.

Rhad says: Pygmy Perches (Nannopercidae) consist of only 6 species, most with very limited distribution. Edelia obscura (about 7.5 cm), E. vittata (about 6 cm), Nannoperca oxleyana (about 5 cm), and N. variegata (about 6 cm), are the more commonly kept species. E. obscura and N. variegata come from southern Victoria, E. vittata is found in the south- western corner of Western Australia, and N. oxleyana is found in the south- eastern corner of Queensland. A temperature range of 20C - 23C is indicated for all these species. The two Edelia species prefer pH 6.8 - 7.5, Total Hardness 50 - 180 PPM. The two Nannoperca species prefer pH 6.2 - 6.6, Total Hardness up to 40 PPM.

Rhad says: Gudgeons (Eleotrididae) are close relatives of gobies but differ by having the pelvic fins separate, rather than fused to form a disc. There are 30 species found in Australia. I will only give the requirements for 5 species here due to the lack of time and space. They are generally small and adapt readily to captivity, as well as being subtly colourful, (especially when breeding). Gobiomorphus australis, the Striped Gudgeon, grows to about 18 cm and is found in coastal drainages from about Maryborough in southern Queensland, south to Wilsons Promontory in eastern Victoria. They are best kept in small groups in large tanks at 18C - 23C. They are not too particular regarding pH or Total hardness. While preferring live food (aquatic insects and small fish), they will accept shrimp pieces and other meaty foods.

Rhad says: Hypseleotris compressa, the Empire Gudgeon, grows to only about 10 cm. and is widespread in coastal drainages around the northern two- thirds of Australia. These are by far the most colourful of the Australian Gudgeons particularly when in breeding colour. They prefer the water to be 21C - 26C, pH 6.8 - 7.2, Total hardness to about 100 PPM. They are omnivorous, eating cladocerans, mosquito larvae, algae, and detritus. Can be adapted to flake foods. H. galii, the Firetailed Gudgeon, is another subtly colourful gudgeon from the east coast. Its range extends from the vicinity of Fraser Island, Queensland down to Eden in southern New South Wales. Similar water conditions as H. compressa will suffice. Mogurnda adspersa, The Purple Spotted Gudgeon, is perhaps the most widely kept of the gudgeon family in Australia. The natural range of M. adspersa includes the Murray- Darling system of Victoria, New South Wales, and Queensland. Also eastern coastal drainages north of the Clarence River, New South Wales. Kept at temperature 22C - 26C, pH 6.8 - 7.2, Total hardness 50 - 150 PPM, these colourfully marked fish put on an excellent display. They have a similar diet to the other species described.
Rhad says: Ophieleotris aporos, the Snakehead Gudgeon, is widespread in the Indo-Pacific region. The Australian range extends between Cape Tribulation and the Fitzroy River along the northeastern coast of Queensland. This rather large gudgeon grows to about 40 cm., and care must be exhibited when choosing tankmates for them. They are carnivorous, feeding naturally on grasshoppers and small fish. They will however, accept frozen shrimp and other meaty preparations. Temperatures of 20C - 30C will suffice, and they are not too particular about the other water conditions, as long as the water is clean.

Rhad says: Gobies (Gobiidae) in Australia are represented by 12 freshwater or estuarine species. Chlamydogobius eremius, the Desert Goby, is probably the best known of these small fish. They are best kept in a small group of 4 females to 2 males. Their distribution is rather patchy and restricted to the central desert area in the Diamantina, Finke, and Lake Frome drainage systems. They are best maintained between 23C - 26C, pH 7.5 - 8, Total hardness 350 PPM. The addition of salt at 1 gram/litre ensures the best conditions for them. They are naturally omnivorous eating filamentous algae, detritus, aquatic insects, and crustaceans naturally. In captivity, they will readily accept frozen brine shrimp, microworms, powdered pellets and flakes. They will attain a length of about 7 cm.

Rhad says: Blue-eyes (Pseudomugilidae) are closely related to the Hardyheads (Atherinidae) and Rainbowfish (Melanotaeniidae). They are tiny and often partially transparent. There are 7 species endemic to Australia. The most widespread and common species is Pseudomugil signifer, the Pacific Blue-eye. Its range extends from about Cooktown in northern Queensland, through all coastal drainages to about Narooma in southern New South Wales. Local populations show considerable variations throughout the range but all will reach about 5 cm.. Best maintained at 20C - 25C, PH 7 - 7.8, Total hardness 80 - 200 PPM. P. mellis, the Honey Blue-eye, is found in a narrow coastal band from Brisbane north app. 300 kilometers to the Bundaberg area in southern Queensland. They are classified as endangered due to habitat destruction and pollution in this increasingly urbanized strip. This small (2.5 cm) fish does best at 25C - 30C, PH 5.5 - 6.8, Total hardness 10 - 50 PPM. The recently described Scaturiginichthys vermeilipinnis (Redfinned Blue-eye), is restricted to a tiny area near Edgebaston Springs in central Queensland. There are very few captive populations and those with them, keep them only with official approval. Temperatures in their natural habitat are extreme, ranging from 3C - 38.5C. However, they are maintained between 20oC - 31oC, PH 6.8 - 8.2, Total hardness 100 - 150 PPM. They attain only 3 cm. There is a population of Gambusia holbrooki co-existing with them in their habitat. No one knows how or when these pests were introduced, and grave fears are held for this newly discovered species.

Rhad says: Rainbowfish (Melanotaeniidae) are the best known of the Australian freshwater fishes. There are countless reams of material written about this very interesting group. I will content myself with just listing the species and their respective water parameters.

Rhad says: Cairnsichthys rhombosomoides. Cairns Rainbowfish. 21C - 26C. pH 6.8 - 7. Total hardness up to 80 PPM. Grows to 7 cm.
Rhad says: Iriatherina werneri. Threadfin Rainbowfish. 22C - 29C. pH 6 - 7. Total hardness up to 50 PPM. Grows to 3.5 cm.
Rhad says: Melanotaenia duboulayi. Duboulays Rainbowfish. 22C - 26C. pH 6.5 - 7. Total hardness 40 - 100 PPM. Grows to 9 cm.
Rhad says: M. eachamensis. Lake Eacham Rainbowfish. 22C - 27C. pH 6.8 - 7. Total
hardness 50 - 100 PPM. Grows to 7 cm.
Rhad says: M. exquisita. Exquisite Rainbowfish. 2C - 29C. PH 6 - 6.8. Total hardness 5 - 70 PPM. Grows to 6 cm.
Rhad says: M. fluviatilis. Crimson-spotted Rainbowfish. 20C - 26C. PH 6.8 - 7.8. Total hardness 40 - 100 PPM. Grows to 9 cm.
Rhad says: M. gracilis. Slender Rainbowfish. 20C - 26C. PH 6.8 - 7. Total hardness up to 50 PPM. Grows to 7.5 cm.
Rhad says: M. maccullochi. McCullochs Rainbowfish. 22C - 26C. PH 6 - 7. Total hardness up to 50 PPM. Grows to 6 cm.
Rhad says: M. nigrans. Black-banded Rainbowfish. 22C - 27C. PH 6 - 6.5. Total hardness up to 50 PPM. Grows to 7 cm.
Rhad says: M. pygmaea. Pygmy Rainbowfish. 22C - 28C. PH 6.5 - 7. Total hardness up to 50 PPM. Grows to 5 cm.
Rhad says: M. splendida australis. Western Rainbowfish. 25C - 32C. PH 6.5 - 7. Total hardness up to 100 PPM. Grows to 9 cm.
Rhad says: M. splendida inornata. Chequered Rainbowfish. 23C - 28C. PH 6.5 - 7. Total hardness up to 100 PPM. Grows to 10 cm.
Rhad says: M. splendida splendida. Eastern Rainbowfish. 23C - 28C. PH 6.5 - 7. Total hardness up Total hardness up to 100 PPM. Grows to 20 cm.
Rhad says: M. splendida tatei. Desert Rainbowfish. 22C - 26C. pH 7 - 7.8. Total hardness 50 - 200 PPM. Grows to 8 cm.
Rhad says: M. trifasciata. Banded Rainbowfish. 23C - 28C. PH 6.2 - 7. Total hardness up to 100 PPM. Grows to 11 cm.
Rhad says: Rhadinocentrus ornatus. Ornate Rainbowfish/Sunfish. 21C - 26C. PH 6 - 6.8. Total hardness 5 - 80 PPM. Grows to 5 cm.

Rhad says: The authors I utilized in the preparation of this talk were: Dr. Gerry Allen, Ray Leggett, John Merrick and Gunther Schmida. There was also much anecdotal evidence and personal observation utilized. Special thanks to: Dr. Bruce Hansen for taxanomical help, Juan Miguel Artigas Azas and Lisa Brinkman for their continued support and kind words, (not to mention their insistence and [un-needed] advertisements). Thanks cannot be denied to my daughter, Kelly, for her technical assistance, her comprehension of the instructions that were given to me by Lisa and Juan, that were way out of my grasp and her valued editing skills.
Rhad says: For those of you interested in viewing some of these fish, you can find pictures in the following links:
Home of the Rainbowfish. - http://members.optushome.com.au/chelmon/Contents.htm
Rainbowfish of Aust.- trifasciata. - www.ozemail.com.au/~fisher/news/tri.htm
Aust. Desert Fishes Pages- http://www.utexas.edu/depts/tnhc/.www/fish/dfc/australi/index.html
ANGFA Homepage.- http://www.angfa.org.au/frames.html
Rhad says: If any of you have managed to get through all this and have any questions, I would be happy to try and answer them. Thank you - Ken.
JuanMi says: well you can now ask questions in order, raise your hand first please.
JuanMi says: thanks Ken, it was excellent text you prepared for us
Richardb says: Nice job Ken
JuanMi asks: Ken about how many species of Continental fish are in Australia?
Rhad says: Not sure. 100s I would think.
Itsme says: if i was to set up a australian native tank how big would it have to be
Rhad says: The bigger is always preferable. 2' tank would do though.
JuanMi asks: Ken do you know is many of the species you mentioned are available to hobbysist?
Rhad says: Most are available through ANGFA members. Some are sold in LFS though.
Richardb asks: Ken, I've had a Neosiluris glencoensis for over 15 years now, which suggests that they are a pretty long lived species. Also, the book says this species only grows to 6 inches, but mine is 12", could it be another species?
JuanMi asks: Ken thanks... what is LFS.. and you mentioned a high variation of pH value for the fish. Are they very delicate in this respect?
Rhad says: Could be Richard. I'd have to look at it. My ref says 7".
Rhad says: Local fish store, Juan.They are fairly delicate.
Rhad says: Those were breeding conditions too.
Itsme asks: what would be some ideal beginner fish and how big tank do arowanas need?
Rhad says: Blue-eyes would be good to start for you. Small tank too. I'd put them (saratogas) in a 5' tank.
JuanMi asks: Is there a hobbyist association specialized in Australian natives? not just rainbow fish?
Rhad says: ANGFA is not just Rainbows. You wouldn't know it sometimes though.
Rhad grins.
Itsme says: how big what measurement is a 5' tank
Richardb says: Native Fish Australia is another group that covers other species.
Rhad says: 5'x2'x2'
JuanMi asks: Is it possible to collect Australian fish legally and get them out of the continent?
Rhad says: It's very hard too. Costly mainly. Is possible though.
Richardb says: Web site of NFA is http://www.nativefish.asn.au/ if anyone's interested.
Itsme asks: where can i get blue eyes (the fish not eyes) and where do they originate?
Rhad says: You can link through A.Tappin's site too.
Rhad says: You could catch some where you are.
Rhad says: Pacific around you Stuart.
JuanMi asks: Ken you said is hard and costly to collect fish in Australia, why is that?
Rhad says: No. Just to export them.
JuanMi asks: you have to pay expensive permits?
Rhad says: Yes. And wait for approval.
JuanMi asks: long time?
Rhad says: Depends.
Itsme says: do blue eyes need permits
Rhad says: No.
JuanMi asks: Have you ever collected the jardine river? if so, how is it like?
Rhad says: Never been up there unfortunately. Seen heaps of pics though.
Itsme says: how do you catch your fish
Rhad asks: Me,personally?
Itsme says: or any way to do it
Rhad says: Bait traps and seine nets.
Itsme says: what is a seine net
Rhad says: 2 man net you drag through the water.
Itsme says: how do you make a bait trap or can you buy them
Rhad says: Buy them at your local fish-tackle shop.
JuanMi says: In the name of Fishroom I want to thank Ken for his generosity in giving us this talk and and answering all the questions. I am sure it will raise the interest in several of the present people and those that later read the log (Which it will be available in Lisa's lair home page as far as I know) in keeping such interesting fish. Thank you for all Ken.
Rhad exclaims: Thank you all!
Maggie applauds.
Richardb cheers enthusiastically.
froggy claps with enthusiasm.
Itsme cheers enthusiastically too!