It’s Time To Go – The One-spot Livebearer Fish!

[Ken A]

War is set to be declared on tens of thousands of one-spot livebearer fish which have set up home in the waterways of the Long Reef Golf Course.

The one-spot livebearer, or speckled mosquitofish, is listed as a noxious species in NSW.

The fish, which are not native to Australia, probably found their way into the waterway after being dumped from an aquarium.

NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) Conservation manager, Mike Holloway, said once in a water way these fish are difficult to get rid of, so it’s vital that people dispose of aquarium fish and plants properly.

“We attempted to remove the fish population in 2002 and although it resulted in a considerable reduction it didn’t completely remove the pest species, highlighting the hardy nature of the mosquito fish.

“The eradication which will begin on 5 June and continue for 12 days, will involve the use of rotenone, which is a widely used piscicide that inhibits respiration of gilled animals. The ponds will be drained to approximately 40 percent of their volume and will be treated three times over consecutive days,” Mr Holloway said.

Previous fauna surveys have revealed that there are several native frogs inhabiting the area including the common eastern froglet, dwarf tree frog, striped marsh frog, and Perron’s tree frog. The treatment does not harm adult frogs, and no lasting effect on populations of these locally and regionally abundant species is expected.

“A population of endangered green and golden bell frogs call the course home but as their habitat doesn’t overlap with the mosquitofish there shouldn’t be any effect on the frogs.

“NSW DPI staff will remove the eels from the waterways prior to eradication.

Although rotenone is far less toxic to mammals than fish, as a precaution, pets should not be allowed in the waterways while the product is being used,” Mr Holloway said.

This reinforces DPI’s commitment to combating aquatic pests. It also highlights the importance of responsibly disposing of unwanted pet fish. Considerable fines exist for improper dumping or stocking of fish, and NSW DPI is currently working with other states to strengthen regulation of the aquarium industry.

Media contact: Kelly Stevens 02 8289 3949

[Flattieman]

Very interesting, Ken. Darn pests - let's get 'em!

Flattieman.