Pseudaphritis urvillii

Pseudaphritis urvillii
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Actinopterygii
Order: Perciformes
Family: Pseudaphritidae
Genus: Pseudaphritis
Species: P. urvillii
Binomial name
Pseudaphritis urvillii
(Valenciennes, 1832)

Pseudaphritis urvillii is the only species of fish in the family Pseudaphritidae and the genus Pseudaphritis. It is known also as the catadromous icefish, the tupong[1] or even more commonly as the congolli.

Distribution and habitat

Pseudaphritis urvillii is found in fresh, brackish, and marine waters around south eastern Australia including Tasmania.[2] It lives mostly in sluggish estuaries and streams. Water temperatures in its habitat range from 5 to 20 °C (41 to 68 °F). This fish will inhabit areas with log snags, over hanging banks, and leaves that fell into the water. Between late April and August, it migrates south to estuaries to breed.[2]

Description

The largest adult measured is about 36 centimetres (14 in) long.[2] Usually, adults grow up to 17 centimetres (6.7 in) long.[2]

Ecology

Diet

The congoli feeds on insects, fish, crustaceans, worms, mollusks, and other invertebrates.[2]

Behavior

Congolis are ambush predators that usually bury themselves in the substrate.[2] During the time period between late April and August, it migrates south to estuaries to reproduce.

Importance to humans

Occasionally, this fish is caught for food. It shows a minor importance to commercial fishing.[2] The congoli is also caught by anglers.

Reproduction

Adults migrate south downstream to reproduce. It takes place between late April and August.[2]

References

  1. Museum Victoria Australia , Tupong Pseudaphritis urvillii, retrieved 29 January 2015
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Froese, Rainer and Pauly, Daniel, eds. (2015). "Pseudaphritis urvillii" in FishBase. January 2015 version.


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