Spawning and Early Development of the River Blackfish, Gadopsis marmoratus Richardson (Gadopsiformes : Gadopsidae), in the McKenzie River, Victoria

Abstract

Spawning and development of the river blackfish G. marmoratus were investigated at the McKenzie River in the Grampians, western Victoria. Eggs are deposited inside hollow logs. Removal of logs during some 'river improvement' schemes may have a deleterious effect on spawning. Some preliminary observations on the early development of the river blackfish are described. The species is tentatively classified as belonging to Balon's 'Speleophils' reproductive guild of fishes.