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Blackfish (Gadopsis marmoratus) — Percichthyidae

Blackfish

Gadopsis marmoratus
LC · Least Concern

The Blackfish (Gadopsis marmoratus) is a freshwater fish of the family Percichthyidae that grows up to 60 cm.

Length
60 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Solitary
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Commonly eaten

Description

The river blackfish is a freshwater fish of the family Percichthyidae from southeastern Australia, including the Murray-Darling basin and coastal rivers of Victoria. The species reaches about 60 cm and has an elongate, dark mottled body with pelvic fins modified into long free rays. It lives in clear, flowing streams with abundant cover and a gravel bottom, but also in lakes and reservoirs; it tolerates slightly brackish water. The species is strongly site-attached and stays within a stretch of a few tens of metres. The diet consists of aquatic insect larvae, crustaceans and small fishes. It is a valued angling fish locally.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Blackfish?

The Blackfish has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a marbled pattern.

Where does the Blackfish live?

The Blackfish lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom.

How big does the Blackfish get?

The Blackfish grows to a maximum of about 60 cm. On average the species is around 30 cm.

Is the Blackfish dangerous to humans?

No, the Blackfish is harmless to humans.

Is the Blackfish edible?

Yes, the Blackfish is commonly eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Rivierzwartvis sourced
English name
Blackfish verified
Scientific name
Gadopsis marmoratus
Family
Percichthyidae
Other names
Freshwater blackfish; Marble cod; Marbled river cod; River blackfish verified

Appearance

Size class
Large verified
Max length (cm)
60.0 verified
Average length (cm)
30.0 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Brown inferred
Pattern
Marbled inferred
Tail shape
Rounded inferred
Mouth position
Terminal inferred
Lips
Thick / fleshy inferred
Barbels
No sourced
Dorsal fins
One continuous inferred
Dorsal spines
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Mixed bottom sourced
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore sourced
Social behaviour
Solitary inferred
Territorial
Yes inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred

For anglers

Edibility
Commonly eaten sourced
Fishing method
Hengelen met aas tussen takken en snags in beken. sourced
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless sourced

Status & sources

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

Same genus Gadopsis

More from the family Percichthyidae

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