Marjorie’s Hardyhead

Craterocephalus marjoriae
Marjorie's Hardyhead - Marinewise © 2024 MarineWise

Quick Facts

Scientific name Craterocephalus marjoriae
Other names Marjorie's Freshwater Hardyhead, Silverstreak Hardyhead
Size Up to 8.5 cm (3.34 in)
Weight A few grams

Distribution

Habitat & AU Distribution Freshwaters streams & rivers over sandy & gravel areas often near aquatic vegetation
Depth Range 0 - 2 m (6 ft)
Marjorie's Hardyhead 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.
  • 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.

  • Their lifespan is estimated to be around 1-2 years.
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