Quick Facts
Distribution
Interesting Info
- The Marjorie’s Hardyhead is native to eastern Australia, primarily found in Queensland and northern parts of New South Wales.
- The species prefers to inhabit clear, slow-moving waterways with a sandy or muddy bottom, and is typically found in shallow areas. They like to form shoals for safety.
- The species is known for its distinctive physical characteristics, which include a small head with a flattened forehead, large eyes, and a slightly upturned mouth. They have a silver-grey body coloration, with a series of darker horizontal stripes along its sides. It also has a black blotch at the base of its tail fin.
- The species feeds on a variety of small invertebrates, including insects, crustaceans, and molluscs.
- Their lifespan is estimated to be around 1-2 years.
They spawn in the summer months, with the female laying its eggs on submerged vegetation, and the eggs are guarded by the male until they hatch. The eggs usually hatch within a few days, and the newly hatched larvae are initially nourished by a yolk sac.
Species Interaction
Aquarium
Marjorie’s Hardyhead can be a popular species as they like to form shoals but are a challenging species to have in an aquarium. They are best suited for an experienced aquarium hobbyist or aquatic specialist.
Scientific Classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Actinopterygii
Order: Atheriniformes
Family: Atherinidae
Genus: Craterocephalus
Species: Craterocephalus marjoriae
Conservation Status
Marjorie’s Hardyhead is listed as “Vulnerable” on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. This means that the species faces a high risk of extinction in the wild in the near future if conservation actions are not taken.
Marjorie’s Hardyhead
As Aquarium Fish
Care Level: Moderate to difficult
Temperament: Shy
Diet: Carnivore
Reef Compatible: No
Minimum Tank Size: 20 gallons