Desert Aquatic Ecosystems: Fish Diversity And Adaptations In South Australia's Remote Regions.pdf

Key points include:

Geography and Locations:

Strzelecki Track, Marree, Clayton Homestead, Duklaninna, Etadunna, Cooper Creek, Killalpaninna, Mulka Homestead, Lake Kopperamanna, Appadare, Lake Hope, Kallakoopah, Simpson Desert, Tirari Desert, Goyder Lagoon, Sturts Stony Desert, Koonchera Waterhole, Yammakira Waterhole, Mungerannie (including the hotel and homestead), Cowarie Homestead, Kalamurina Wildlife Sanctuary, Birdsville, Warburton, Macumba Creek, Coongie Lake, Diamantina River, Nappa Merrie, Andrewilla Waterhole, Lake Harry.

Fish Species:

Native species: 11 out of 12 identified fish species are native, including:
Lake Eyre Hardyhead (Craterocephalus eyresii) - known for tolerating high salt concentrations and surviving in hypersaline waterholes.
Lake Eyre Golden Perch (Macquaria sp.) - apex predator in desert river systems, growing up to 600mm.
Bony Herring
Gambusia (Gambusia holbrooki) - introduced species now outcompeting native fish and frogs due to rapid spread.
Exotic species: One exotic species is mentioned:
Barcoo Grunter

Aquatic Ecosystems and Threats:

Flow Regimes: Variable flows are crucial for maintaining diverse aquatic fauna. Upstream and cross-border water development pose threats.
Water Clarity: The Diamantina and Warburton rivers are characterized by high turbidity due to suspended silt particles, clearing as waterholes become saltier.
Refuges: Deep channels and waterholes serve as vital refuges for freshwater aquatic life during droughts, supporting migration and breeding when floods return.
Other Aquatic Life: In addition to fish, the document mentions:
Hyrtles
Tandan (likely a type of crustacean)
Spangled Grunter
Yabbie (Cherax destructor)
Desert Rainbowfish
Welch’s Grunter

Conservation Concerns:

The document highlights the threat posed by Gambusia, an introduced species outcompeting native fish and frogs.
Maintaining current flow regimes is crucial for preserving aquatic biodiversity.