Hall, D.N.; Tunbridge, B.R. (Arthur Rylah Institute for Environmental Research);

Twelve native and five introduced species of freshwater fishes were collected from 17 sampling sites on the Barwon River and its upper tributaries during the period April 1986 —April 1987. Present distribution of fishes in the system is the result of clearing of vegetation, water abstraction and agricultural practices, construction of barriers affecting movement of fishes and the greater diversity of habitats downstream. Despite changes to the river and its catchment since European settlement, and despite the introduction of exotic species of fish, self-sustaining populations of native freshwater fishes have survived. A population of the grayling Prototroctes maraena, one of Australia’s four most seriously-threatened species of freshwater fishes, was found. The mountain galaxias, Galaxias olidusy was recorded from the Barwon River for the first time. Some options for future management of the Barwon River are discussed in relation to some biological requirements of the existing fish fauna.