Congoli
Congoli | |
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Scientific classification | |
Kingdom: | |
Phylum: | |
Class: | |
Order: | |
Family: | Pseudaphritidae
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Genus: | Pseudaphritis
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Species: | P. urvillii
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Binomial name | |
Pseudaphritis urvillii (Valenciennes, 1832)
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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
- ^ Museum Victoria Australia , Tupong Pseudaphritis urvillii, retrieved 29 January 2015
- ^ a b c d e f g h Froese, Rainer; Pauly, Daniel (eds.). "Pseudaphritis urvillii". FishBase. January 2015 version.