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Government of Western Australia - Department of Fisheries

Freshwater biodiversity

Western Australia has a unique selection of freshwater fish and invertebrates. For example, 80 per cent of the native fish and all of the native crayfish found in the South-west, except the yabbie, are endemic. 

The South-west region of WA is recognised by Conservation International as one of 34 global biodiversity hotspots and by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) as one of the world's 53 most biologically outstanding freshwater habitats.

However, the rivers and streams in the South-west are also one of 28 freshwater habitats identified by the WWF as a ‘Global Ecoregion’, considered to have a critical or endangered conservation status.

While other Government agencies are responsible for environmental effects, it is our responsibility to conserve aquatic biodiversity.

Native freshwater fish in South-West WA

  • Pygmy perch
  • Balston’s pygmy perch
  • Western minnow
  • Common jollytail
  • Trout minnow
  • Black-stripe minnow
  • Nightfish
  • Salamanderfish
  • Freshwater cobbler

The Freshwater Fish Distribution in Western Australia website is an interactive online tool allowing users to search all available information on the distribution of native and introduced freshwater fish and crustaceans in Western Australia. It is constantly updated with new records of native and feral fish distribution provided by our researchers, universities and other agencies.

Last modified: 3/12/2014 2:04 PM

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The information and advice provided by the Department of Fisheries website is made in good faith and is from sources believed to be reliable and accurate at the time of release onto the website. Changes in circumstances after a document is placed on the website may affect the accuracy of the information. Full disclaimer details are available at www.fish.wa.gov.au.