Recorded 47 Ambassis sp. successfully ascending a rock ramp fishway on Sandy Creek just south of Mackay. Fishway located approximately 6 kms upstream from the freshwater/estuarine interface. 42 of 47 recorded in top trap - migrating upstream.
They were not 'wandering' upstream, instead undertaking this migration for a reason. Minimum velocity in a fishway slot (within a ridge) that they had to negotiate was 1.1 m/sec.
A. Vachellii?
Sighting and photos (c) kat5.
Field Notes - Someone had sprayed near this dam with pesticide and there were many dead/dying fish. Apparently it’s full of tilapia so they want all the fish to die so they can restock.
Constant schools of minnow-like fish swimming under the dock, near the surface of the water. Something startled some of them, making them jump, and one jumped way too far and landed at my feet. Took a couple photos before dropping it back in (it was fine and swam off).
Grey-blue fish around 10-40cm in size. Grey dark tail ends with smaller translucent fins.
Royal Botanic Garden, Sydney