Wildlife Australia - Winter 2004 - Fish

What is it about oceans and horses? In Greek and Roman mythology, Poseidon or Neptune was god of both the sea and horses — and, for good measure, earthquakes. Perhaps there is a connection in the wild surf pounding and shaking the shore like an earthquake or a herd of galloping horses with manes and tails flying. But how does that link to a group of small (generally less than 65cm), slender, bony fishes with arched necks, long tubular mouths and prehensile tails that live quietly amongst seaweeds and seagrasses in relatively still coastal waters and estuaries? It’s a tribute to human imagination, inspired by the most diverse category of vertebrates on the planet: fish.

Contents...

If looks could kill: Grey Nurse Sharks

An interview with Carley Bansemer

Unfortunately it is no joke. From the 1960s, the growing popularity of beach recreation and fears of shark attack fed devastating eradication campaigns. Fortunately, we are learning to temper our fears with fascination and respect for the importance of sharks to a healthy marine environment. What does this mean to for the non-threatening but fearsome-looking and critically endangered Grey Nurse Shark?

Rainbow rehabilitation: recreating waterways for native fish

By Phoebe Chapman and Rebecca Brooks

‘Like a fish out of water’ — it’s a way of describing someone in a place they don’t belong, but it also implies that as long as a fish has water, it’s OK. Things are never that simple. Two researchers are looking at some very disturbed urban habitats in southeast Queensland to see what freshwater fish species native to that area need for their continuing survival.

The Octopuses' Garden

By Sheree Marris

Around the world, many fascinating aquaria are located on or near seaside piers. At this pier on the Mornington Peninsula, south of Melbourne, you don't have to look at fish tanks. You swim with the fish. Brave the chill and discover the long-kept secrets of Victoria's southern waters.

Where fish grow on trees: a plea for mangroves

By Steve Wilson

Mangrove communities are wonderful places for wildlife observations. Able to grow in brackish or salty water, these remarkable trees protect the health of coastal regions by filtering water, preventing erosion and underpinning rich feeding grounds for fish, birds, marine invertebrates and more biting insects than the average person may care to encounter.

Fishing with dinosaurs

By Jean Joss

Threatened by dam proposals, the Australian Lungfish serves as a reminder that altering waterways doesn't just change environmental flows, it can also destroy our precious opportunities to look deep into our history.

Names from another world

By Saren Starbridge

'Hey, that reminds me of ...' fish and people live in different worlds on the same planet, but when it comes to bestowing names on our acquatic neighbours, we find some interesting resemblances. To parody an old vaudeville line: 'That's a funny name for a fish'. 'Yes, it's the lack of gravity that does it.' Or maybe it's an observant imagination.

Better than Burma Shave

By Lee Curtis

Little insects. Big constructions. Amazing sight. So many functions. An amazing roadside construction attracts the attention of two travellers across the north of Australia. Termite Mounds!

Dips and Peaks: the life of Australia's freshwater eels.

By Brian Lowry.

All the glamour and appeal of a freshwater eel? Doesn't sound like a compliment. However, the life story of this unlikely looking group of fish is an incredible epic. Adult freshwater eels are found anywhere from remote mountain streams to the lakes and lagoons of coastal islands. The world has 16 different species of freshwater eels, and Australia has four of them. This article looks at the life's journey of these incredible creature.

On a dark and stormy night

By Scott O'Keeffe

What is the cost of a penny turtle? The Red-eared slider turtle is listed by the IUCN as being in the top 100 of the world's worst invasive species. It starts off like a horror movie, but the story actually begins decades ago with a popular variety shop pet - and it could have a happy ending for Australia's wildlife.

Cyber Jungle

Fishpix
Lungfish System
Australian Museum Fish site
Fish Olympics
Caviar Emptor

Also in this edition:

Eco-Media, Comment, City Animal, Scratchings and Rustlings, Nature Watch, Books Reviews, Winter Skies, Young and Wild, WPSQ in Action, Swamp Cartoon and our regular environmental crossword.

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