Heavily impacted channel specialist species. Requires access to fast and moderate flowing in-channel habitat of good quality. Spawns and recruits in flowing habitats—loss of these habitats has major impacts on this species. Seasonally appropriate flows (with rising water levels) are required to Formerly a stimulate migration. Flows also increase productivity and available recreational habitat. Trout cod Australia species but take Spawning is independent of flooding but recruitment can be enhanced Southern & Moderate to 8 years in 10 ACT, NSW, is now restricted by elevated flows. Northern (Maccullochella long-lived Vic, SA due to Increasing flow is often required to stimulate migration, for productivity Basin macquariensis) threatened and to increase available habitat. status. Flow is important to maintain water quality—blackwater events can have major impacts on this species. Nesting species that requires stable water depths for the duration of nesting to ensure adults do not abandon nests. Requires flowing water during this time period to maintain water quality. Flow (current velocity) then disperses larval stages. Heavily impacted by water extraction, particularly smaller riverine populations. Require flowing water (that retains stable depths) in conjunction with riffle and pool habitats containing cobble and gravel substrates for spawning. Flowing water is also required to disperse eggs and larvae. Formerly a However, late spring flushes may negatively impact recruitment by recreational disturbing eggs. Macquarie perch Australia species but take Macquarie perch spawn in aggregations – barriers may prevent Southern & Moderate to 8 years in 10 ACT, NSW, is now restricted access to suitable spawning habitat or other adult fish. Suitable flows Northern (Macquaria long-lived Vic, SA due to for connectivity are required. Basin australasica) threatened Natural freshes are required to scour fine sediment and prepare status. spawning habitats. Flow is important to maintain water quality. Maintenance of base flows and refuge pools during summer and autumn. They are vulnerable to loss of suitable refuge habitat either through water extraction or flow regulation. This reduces the number and quality of refuge pools during low flow conditions.
Trout cod (Maccullochella macquariensis) Moderate to long-lived 8 years in 10 Australia ACT, NSW, Vic, SA Formerly a recreational species but take is now restricted due to threatened status. Heavily impacted channel specialist species. Requires access to fast and moderate flowing in-channel habitat of good quality. Spawns and recruits in flowing habitats—loss of these habitats has major impacts on this species. Seasonally appropriate flows (with rising water levels) are required to stimulate migration. Flows also increase productivity and available habitat. Spawning is independent of flooding but recruitment can be enhanced by elevated flows. Increasing flow is often required to stimulate migration, for productivity and to increase available habitat. Flow is important to maintain water quality—blackwater events can have major impacts on this species. Nesting species that requires stable water depths for the duration of nesting to ensure adults do not abandon nests. Requires flowing water during this time period to maintain water quality. Flow (current velocity) then disperses larval stages. Southern & Northern Basin Macquarie perch (Macquaria australasica) Moderate to long-lived 8 years in 10 Australia ACT, NSW, Vic, SA Formerly a recreational species but take is now restricted due to threatened status. Heavily impacted by water extraction, particularly smaller riverine populations. Require flowing water (that retains stable depths) in conjunction with riffle and pool habitats containing cobble and gravel substrates for spawning. Flowing water is also required to disperse eggs and larvae. However, late spring flushes may negatively impact recruitment by disturbing eggs. Macquarie perch spawn in aggregations – barriers may prevent access to suitable spawning habitat or other adult fish. Suitable flows for connectivity are required. Natural freshes are required to scour fine sediment and prepare spawning habitats. Flow is important to maintain water quality. Maintenance of base flows and refuge pools during summer and autumn. They are vulnerable to loss of suitable refuge habitat either through water extraction or flow regulation. This reduces the number and quality of refuge pools during low flow conditions. Southern & Northern Basin