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Twospine Blackfish

Twospine Blackfish

Gadopsis bispinosus

Quick Facts

Scientific name Gadopsis bispinosus

Other names Two Spined Blackfish

Size Up to 30 cm (11.8 in)

Weight Under .50 kg (1.10 lb)

Distribution

Habitat & AU Distribution Freshwater mountain streams & creeks over rocky areas & near boulders

Depth Range 0 - 3 m (12 ft)

Interesting Info

The Twospine Blackfish is a freshwater fish species found only in Australia. The fish is native to the eastern coast of Australia, commonly found in the Snowy River in New South Wales.
They are typically found in clear, cool water with rocky bottoms and are most commonly found in areas with fast-flowing water.
They have a distinctive appearance, with a slender body, pointed head, and two spines on their back. The fish is generally olive green or brown in colour, with a lighter underbelly.
The Twospine Blackfish feeds on a variety of small aquatic invertebrates, including insects and crustaceans. They are known to be particularly active at night when they move from their hiding places to feed.
They are a relatively slow-growing species, with females taking up to four years to reach maturity.
Estimates on lifespan are around 5-7 years in the wild but have been known to live up to 10 years or more.

Species Interaction

Recreational Fishing

Twospine Blackfish are a popular target for recreational anglers in Australia due to their small size, sporting qualities, and the challenge they present in catching them. They are also a species that can be caught using a variety of fishing techniques, including fly fishing and bait fishing.

Scientific Classification

Kingdom: Animalia

Phylum: Chordata

Class: Actinopterygii

Order: Perciformes

Family: Percichthyidae

Genus: Gadopsis

Species: Gadopsis bispinosus

Conservation Status

In Australia, the Twospine Blackfish is not currently listed as a threatened species under the Commonwealth’s Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999, but it is listed as a threatened species in Victoria, where it is considered vulnerable to extinction. They are also considered to be a species of conservation significance in the ACT and is protected under the Nature Conservation Act 2014. The species is listed as vulnerable to extinction in the ACT, which means that it is at risk of becoming endangered in the near future.

Fish Taste Quality

Twospine blackfish is not considered to be a good table fish due to its small size, it is also listed as a threatened species and should not be consumed.

Taste Rating: no rating