Officers of the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) have rescued an extremely rare fish species from a fire-affected creek in Kosciuszko National Park.
Fish experts from NPWS were joined by staff from the University of Canberra and firefighters to access Tantangara Creek and catch up to 140 of the Stocky Galaxias fish.
South Ranges Director at NPWS, Mick Pettitt said the tiny fish was a critically endangered species.
“University of Canberra researchers were concerned that ash from the fires would contaminate the creek and endanger the fish, which live in cold, clear and fast flowing water, often covered in snow during winter,” Mr Pettitt said.
“The rescued Stocky Galaxias which are a critically endangered species, will be kept at the university, providing a unique opportunity to learn more about the reclusive fish,” he said.
“They are about as long as an adult’s index finger and only weigh about 13 grams but are an important part of Australia’s unique Alpine environment.”
Mr Pettitt said fencing of the catchment within the National Park was scheduled to occur this year once the threat of fires diminished.
“This one small creek is a tributary of the Upper Murrumbidgee River and the fish has survived above a waterfall upstream of the Tantangara Reservoir,” he said.
“The Stocky Galaxias are protected by a waterfall which creates a natural barrier that stops Trout moving into this section of the creek, which are a predator of the Stocky Galaxias.”
