Fin's Fish Guide
The Nightfish (Bostockia porosa) is a freshwater fish of the family Percichthyidae that grows up to 15 cm.
Southwestern Australia, in slow-flowing and standing rivers, streams and pools with vegetation and shelter.
Description
The nightfish is a small, dark freshwater fish of the family Percichthyidae reaching about 15 cm. The stout, brown-black mottled body has a large head with a wide mouth and rounded fins. The species is endemic to south-western Australia, where it lives in slow-flowing and still rivers, streams and pools with plenty of vegetation, roots and shelter. As its name suggests, it is mainly active at night: then it hunts as a small predator for insects, larvae, small crustaceans and small fish, while sheltering by day. In the wet season it spawns among roots and plants. Outside Australia the nightfish is little known and has no fishery importance, but it is sometimes kept in the native-fish aquarium.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Nightfish?
The Nightfish has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a marbled pattern. Small, dark Australian freshwater fish with a large mouth and a stocky, marbled body; mainly active at night.
Where does the Nightfish live?
The Nightfish lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Southwestern Australia, in slow-flowing and standing rivers, streams and pools with vegetation and shelter.
How big does the Nightfish get?
The Nightfish grows to a maximum of about 15 cm. On average the species is around 9 cm.
Is the Nightfish dangerous to humans?
No, the Nightfish is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Nightfish edible?
The Nightfish is not usually eaten.
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More from the family Percichthyidae
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