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Deep freshwater hardyhead (Craterocephalus cuneiceps) — Atherinidae

Deep freshwater hardyhead

Craterocephalus cuneiceps
Family: Atherinidae
LC · Least Concern

The Deep freshwater hardyhead (Craterocephalus cuneiceps) is a freshwater fish of the family Atherinidae that grows up to 9 cm.

Length
8.5 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Omnivore
Behaviour
Schooling
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Inland Australia
Edibility
Not eaten

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Description

The deep freshwater hardyhead is a small freshwater fish from the interior of Australia. The species grows to about 9 cm and has a slender, silvery body with a shiny lateral stripe and a wedge-shaped head. It schools in rivers, pools and reservoirs and feeds on small zooplankton, insects and algae. It tolerates dry, warm conditions well. The fish is harmless to humans and has no commercial value. The IUCN assesses the species as Least Concern (LC).

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Deep freshwater hardyhead?

The Deep freshwater hardyhead has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a horizontal stripes pattern. Wedge-shaped head and a silver lateral stripe; schooling hardyhead

Where does the Deep freshwater hardyhead live?

The Deep freshwater hardyhead lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Inland Australia

How big does the Deep freshwater hardyhead get?

The Deep freshwater hardyhead grows to a maximum of about 9 cm. On average the species is around 6 cm.

Is the Deep freshwater hardyhead dangerous to humans?

No, the Deep freshwater hardyhead is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.

Is the Deep freshwater hardyhead edible?

The Deep freshwater hardyhead is not usually eaten.

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All data

Identification

English name
Deep freshwater hardyhead verified
Scientific name
Craterocephalus cuneiceps
Family
Atherinidae
Other names
Deep hardyhead; Murchison river hardyhead verified

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
8.5 verified
Average length (cm)
5.5 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey sourced
Pattern
Horizontal stripes sourced
Tail shape
Forked inferred
Mouth position
Superior (upward) sourced
Lips
Thin sourced
Barbels
No sourced
Dorsal fins
Two separate sourced
Dorsal spines
No sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Mixed bottom sourced
Natural range
Inland Australia verified
Origin
Native verified

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Omnivore sourced
Diet (detail)
Small zooplankton, insects and algae inferred
Social behaviour
Schooling sourced
Territorial
No sourced
Activity
Diurnal sourced
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No sourced
Seasonality
Schooling small inland-water fish; present year-round. sourced
Special features
Wedge-shaped head and a silver lateral stripe; schooling hardyhead sourced

For anglers

Edibility
Not eaten sourced
Fishing method
Not a target species for angling; at most an incidental catch or usable as baitfish. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless sourced
First aid
This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status. verified

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Craterocephalus

More from the family Atherinidae

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