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Scientific Name
Gadopsis bispinosus
Other Common Names
Slippery, slimy, blackfish
Size
Up to 600 mm and 5.5 kg, commonly to 300 mm, fish South of the Great
Dividing range, especially in South Eastern Victoria often grow to much
larger size than their Northern brethren.
Conservation Status
Common
Distribution in East Gippsland
Common in rivers and streams In East Gippsland high country , absent
in other areas.
Habitat
Associated with instream cover, rock or wood debris areas providing shelter
from high water velocities. Only infrequently encountered in open water
or above homogeneous substrates without cover.
Reproduction
In late spring to early summer, eggs laid on bottom surface of hollow
log or similar location at various depths in water column. Male guards
eggs and attached larvae.
Diet
Other fish, aquatic insects. An ambush predator.
Angling
Often overlooked as an angling option, blackfish provide fine sport on
light tackle. In some areas, blackfish can reach truly prodigious size,
so heavier gear is required at times.
Blackfish are generally caught using bait, scrubworms being the best
option. Some anglers report success fishing with small, dark coloured
lures fished close into creek banks at dusk. Wet flies have also been
used with success.
Remember that blackfish are an ambush predator and are secretive rather
than shy. The trick is to get your bait or lure to within striking distance
of the fish which is generally in heavy cover or lurking under an undercut
bank.
On the table
A superb eating fish with soft white flesh, blackfish need gentle treatment
when cooking for best results. Fillets from larger fish may be poached
of gently fried in a little butter. Do not over cook. Smaller fish are
probably best cooked whole.
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