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Wonderful wetlands

Wetlands are important for our environment, economy and our livelihoods. They have many functions from reducing floods to producing clean water and food for humans, industry and agriculture. They provide important habitat for many animals and plants. Wetlands are the great ‘connectors’ across our landscape providing places for our enjoyment and relaxation. Regardless of whether you are doing a school or uni assignment, managing a wetland or undertaking research, you will find a wealth of information here on WetlandInfo. Read more…

WetlandInfo feature species

Mogurnda adspersa, the Southern purple-spotted gudgeon. Photo by Gary Cranitch © Queensland Museum

The southern purple-spotted gudgeon (Mogurnda adspersa) is a small, freshwater, carnivorous fish found across east and south-eastern Australia. These fish are characterised by broad blueish bands overlaid with numerous small tan, orange and purple spots along their sides (more prominent during breeding periods) and three horizontal, red bars along either side of their faces. This species of gudgeon can grow up to 13cm in length but, normally, when found as adults, they are approximately 8cm long. They are found in small, slow-flowing wetland systems, typically hidden amongst aquatic vegetation, rocks and woody structures.

During breeding, females lay batches of eggs up to 1,300 and place them on underwater objects. Once laid, male fish guard them until they hatch, which can take between 3-9 days, depending on conditions.

The species saw significant declines in populations throughout South Australia, Victoria, and New South Wales during the 1980's due to introduced predatory species, competition for food sources, and changes to their habitats that impacted on breeding processes. Populations in Queensland appear to be relatively stable.

Additional information

• Atlas of Living Australia
• Species profile - Mogurnda adspersa (southern purple-spotted gudgeon)
• Fishes of Australia- Mogurnda adspersa (southern purple-spotted gudgeon)