River Blackfish population in the Snowy River Catchment

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The River Blackfish is an Australian freshwater species, with a range extending from southern Queensland to Victoria and Tasmania.

Morphological and genetic data indicate that there are several distinct geographical forms, with two found in NSW, an East Gippsland form and a Northern Murray-Darling Basin form; however these are yet to be formally described as unique species.

The River Blackfish of the Snowy River (East Gippsland form) were once highly abundant and widely distributed throughout the catchment, but are now restricted to isolated subcatchments through a range of threats, raising conservation concerns for this population.

The Snowy River population of the River Blackfish is listed as an endangered population in NSW. There are heavy penalties for harming, possessing, buying or selling them, or for harming their habitat.

Topice include:

  • Description
  • Habitat and ecology
  • Why is the Snowy River population of River Blackfish threatened?
  • Conservation and recovery actions
  • Legal implications