The Murray Hardyhead is a small, moderately deep bodied fish which grows to a maximum length of 76 mm, but is commonly 40–65 mm. Males have been recorded at 27–34 mm and females at 41–43 mm caudal fork length. Its body is predominantly luminescent silver to dark golden dorsally, with a distinct mid-lateral stripe, and a pale abdomen. It has a small mouth with protrusible lips, a restricted gape, and a single row of small teeth on the anterior part of both jaws. The species is usually found in schools of distinct size classes: juveniles are found throughout lakes, in open areas associated with edge structure; and adults have been observed over shallow habitats including open sand banks.
Murray Hardyhead |
Craterocephalus fluviatilis
Status: Endangered on the EPBC Act list
Government evidence of impact of climate change:
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Australian Government, Conservation Advice, Craterocephalus fluviatilis
Since the 1990s; increasing river regulation and water abstraction; exacerbated by widespread drought in 2001 2009; reduced connectivity between wetland habitats and caused many to dry out.
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Australian Government, Listing Advice, Craterocephalus fluviatilis
The primary drivers for the species decline since it has been restricted to these saline refugial habitats has been increasing river regulation and water abstraction; exacerbated by drought and associated effects (Ebner et al.; 2003 Ellis; 2005 Hammer et al.; 2007).
Increasing river regulation and water abstraction; exacerbated by widespread drought in 2001 2009; reduced connectivity between wetland habitats and caused many to dry out.
The Committee is aware that the Murray hardyhead s area of occupancy may have increased slightly since this estimation and the cessation of drought in 2010; particularly in the Lower Lakes region.
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