Common Name
Australian Smelt
No images were found for this Species
Comment
Probably widespread in streams.
Stronghold population
False
Regionally significant/rationale
False
Restricted distribution/rationale
False
Historical abundance
Declining
Local distribution
Common and widespread inhabitant of all Gold Coast city waterways. Forms shoals in slow moving and still water streams
Known location
Cedar Creek, Numinbah, Wongawallan, Tallebudgera Valley, Clagiraba, Currumbin Valley, Natural Bridge
Other locality
Probably widesprea in streams. An indicator of stream quality.f
Specific ecology
Highly oxygenated freshwater.
Habitat comment
The smelt is a better indicator of water quality than any other fish, due to its high oxygen needs.
Threats
Pollutants reduce dissolved oxygen, thus killing this fish. Para grass shades out its habitat. Mosquito fish (Gambusia affinis), introduced from South America, may out-compete with this fish.
Management
The best indicator of water quality among local fish.
