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Longfin Velvetfish Pseudopataecus taenianotus. | ||
Fishes
Section
The Ichthyology Section maintains a strategically important collection of about 40,000 marine and freshwater fishes with an associated database. The database includes valuable historical data on the distribution of fishes throughout Queensland and is frequently called upon by researchers, government agencies and consultants preparing environmental impact statements. We provide a specimen identification and general fish information advisory service to the public, the scientific community and private consultants.
Our current work
Biodiversity studies on fishes throughout various parts of Queensland are often conducted to address gaps in available knowledge and provide baseline information. Current research involves an investigation into the marine fish species of the southern Queensland bioregion, from about Tweed Heads to Fraser Island. This region is particularly interesting in terms of its fish fauna as it contains elements of both temperate and tropical fauna. It represents the northern range limit for many temperate species and the southern limit to many tropical species. Other research includes the description of a new species of anglerfish, sand perches, velvetfishes, scorpionfishes and estuarine soles. These groups often interact with commercial fisheries, so their recognition is important for conservation and the management of sustainable fisheries.
Guide to the collections
Collections are particularly strong in terms of the following:
- Freshwater fishes
- Rocky shore fishes
- Demersal trawl fishes (5 to 500m)
- Reef fishes (mainly 20 to 28 degrees South latitude)
- Estuarine fishes
- Type collection
FAQ
Q:
How many species of fishes occur in Australian waters?
A:
About 4,500 species are currently recognised from Australian waters. This is among the largest for any similar sized region in the world. It should be noted, however, that the Australian region encompasses a highly diverse range of habitats compared to other areas and includes both tropical and temperate climatic conditions.
Q:
Does Australia have a large freshwater fish fauna?
A:
No. Australia is a comparatively arid continent and lacks the expansive natural freshwater environments present in parts of Asia, Africa and South America. There are just over 200 species of Australian freshwater fishes. Of these, few are primary freshwater fishes - most evolved from marine ancestors.
Q:
Does Queensland have any unique and interesting fishes?
A:
Of course! The Queensland Lungfish is native to only the Mary and Burnett Rivers in Queensland, although it has been successfully introduced to other streams in the south-east of the state. Although other closely related lungfishes are known to have occurred in other parts of Australia, through their fossil remains, none persist today. Lungfishes of other families still live in Africa and South America.
Q:
Are Australian native fishes suitable for home aquariums?
A:
Yes! There are many attractive species of Australian rainbowfishes, blue-eyes, gudgeons and gobies that can be maintained in aquaria. These and other fishes such as archerfishes, grunters and catfishes that have interesting behavior, are highly sought by aquarists in Australia and overseas.
Q:
I have a fish that I can not identify - can you help?
A:
There are good guide books available on Australian fishes, but most of the better ones on marine fishes are done on a regional basis. You will need to select one according to the region that your fish was found. The Queensland Museum has publications covering Moreton Bay (marine fishes), and the greater Brisbane region and tropical north Queensland (freshwater and upper estuarine). We can recommend other suitable books or provide identifications on request. You should take several good photographs and/or keep the fish frozen if you wish to have it identified.