Threatened Species Nomination Form
for amending the list of threatened species under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act)
for the 2013–2014 Assessment Period
(Assessment periods run from 1 October to 30 September)
Eligibility for Listing
1.
1. 1.
NAME OF NOMINATED SPECIES
(OR SUBSPECIES)
Scientific name:
Common name(s):
1.
1. 2.
Stiphodon atratus Watson, 1996
Emerald Cling Goby
NOMINATED CATEGORY
Note: if unsure about which category the species should
be nominated for, refer to the indicative threshold criteria
at Attachment B.
Vulnerable
Under criterion 2 this species should probably be listed as
Critically endangered due to its very small area of
occupancy. And indeed the very small population sizes
and small distribution of adults within streams is of
genuine concern. Under criterion 3 it should probably be
listed as endangered. However, since I have now had
some time to think about the rather unusual issues
associated with amphidromous sicydiine gobies in
Australia, I would like to offer some insights that may or
may not influence the committee’s decision regarding the
suitable listing category for this species. The adults are
widespread in the Pacific and are consequently unlikely to
disappear off the planet any time soon. However, the
adult populations in Australia are small and fragmented
as a function of limited available habitat (high rainfall,
steep elevation areas, but only where entirely Australian
freshwater fishes are essentially absent). The larvae of
these species are probably extremely widespread but we
have no way of knowing this at the current time (until
some genetic research is funded).
Additionally, the criteria applied here are clearly used for
terrestrial, marine and freshwater fauna (and flora) and
as the committee will be well aware this means
freshwater fishes by nature often have a small area of
occupancy. Therefore taking into account the listing
status and in some cases real status of certain unlisted,
wholly freshwater fish species in Australia; I would
suggest that Stiphodon atratus might actually be
‘vulnerable’. It faces serious threats with regard to some
populations, but it is not facing anything like the
problems of species such as the Red-finned Blue Eye,
Murray Hardyhead or the new Pygmy Perch recently
found in South Western Australia. Specifically, Stiphodon
atratus has a relatively large extent of occurrence that is a
function of the highly dispersive nature of being an
amphidromous fish, and this provides some buffer to
extinction.
1.
1. 3.
CRITERIA UNDER WHICH THE
SPECIES IS ELIGIBLE FOR LISTING
Please mark the boxes that apply by clicking them with
your mouse.
Criterion 2
A2. Area of occupancy estimated to be less than 10 km2
and a) severely fragmented or known to exist at a limited
location
Criterion 3
Estimated total number of mature individuals is low
(<2500) and
A2 a) and b) ii, iii, iv, v.
c) ii, iii, iv.
Criterion 4
1.
1. 4.
Number of mature individuals Low (<1000)
CURRENT LISTING CATEGORY
What category is the species currently listed in under the
EPBC Act? (If you are nominating the species for delisting,
please complete the nomination form for delisting).
Not Listed
Extinct
Extinct in the
wild
Critically Endangered
Endangered
Vulnerable
Conservation dependent
1.
Not listed
1. 5.
2013–2014 CONSERVATION
THEME:
There is no conservation theme for the 2013–2014
Assessment Period
–
1.
1. 6.
CONSERVATION STATUS
What is the species’ current conservation status under
State/Territory Government legislation? Does the species
have specific protection under other legislation or
intergovernmental arrangements?
Stiphodon atratus is not listed under state or federal
legislation, although, it is currently being considered for
listing as a no take (fisheries) species by the Queensland
Government. The species is only recently known to occur
in Australia (Ebner and Thuesen 2010) and its identity has
been taxonomically and genetically confirmed by
taxonomists Helen Larson and Philippe Keith in the time
since it was last nominated for EPBC listing (see Ebner et
al. 2011).
Species Information
1.
1. 11.
TAXONOMY
Provide any relevant detail on the species' taxonomy (e.g. naming authority, year and reference; synonyms; Family and
Order) and whether or not it is conventionally accepted.
Stiphodon atratus Watson, 1996; Subfamily Sicydiinae; Family Gobiidae; Order Perciformes; conventionally accepted.
1.
1. 12.
DESCRIPTION
Provide a description of the species, including size and/or weight, social structure and dispersion (e.g. solitary/
clumped/flocks), and give a brief description of its ecological role (e.g. is it a ‘keystone’ or ‘foundation’ species, or does
it play a role in ecological processes such as seed dispersal or pollination).
Note: Information on the species’ geographic distribution should be included at Q.21–25, not here.
Stiphodon atratus is a sexually dimorphic, small-bodied fish attaining a maximum total length of 80 mm. Males range
in coloration being sometimes a dull grey but more usually emerald green. In full display the males are a solid black
with bright blue markings especially on the face. Females are white or cream with horizontal black stripes. Females are
gregarious often moving in small groups of about three to six individuals. Males are solitary. The adult phase of the
species function as bacterial/algal grazers in short coastal streams. In Australia, S. atratus occupies streams that
comprise other amphidromous species including sicydiine gobies, and where the typical mainland fish community of
large river catchments is absent or greatly reduced.
(Ebner and Thuesen 2010, Ebner et al. 2011, Thuesen et al. 2011).
1.
1. 13.
BIOLOGY
Provide information on the species' biology, including its life cycle, generation length, reproductive and feeding
characteristics and behaviours.
Note: Information on the species’ geographic distribution should be included at Q.21–25, and not here.
Stiphodon atratus is amphidromous having a marine larval phase, and a freshwater juvenile and adult phase, including
spawning and egg guarding in freshwater. Generation time is unknown but is likely in the order of 6 months to a few
years. Larval duration of sicydiine gobies is generally in the order of 2-4 months. Females form small groups which
move throughout shallow pools and runs in coastal streams (to depths of ~2 m) and occupy shallow water edges in
deeper pools. This species is not usually associated with riffles, and usually found on hard substratum in low or no
flow. The species actively grazes during daylight hours on biofilms covering hard substratum. Males hold small
territories particularly at the head and foot of pools in cobble-boulder habitat. Males display (to other males and
females) by extending fins and rapidly intensifying iridescent body coloration.
(Ebner and Thuesen 2010, Ebner et al. 2011, XXXX XXXX pers. obs.)
1.
1. 14.
HABITAT
Describe the species’ habitats and what role they play in the species' life cycle. Include whether or not the species is
associated with, or if it relies on, a listed threatened ecological community or listed threatened species?
Note: Information on the species’ geographic distribution should be included at Q.21–25, and not here.
Male S. atratus occupy cobble-boulder habitat often at the head or foot of a pool. They graze and defend small
territories of a few square metres in area. Territories include platforms or boulders from which males display. Malemale contests are based on iridescent colour display. Males court females at the entrance to an excavated burrow
(situated in sand under rock). Males guard the eggs and post-hatch larvae drift downstream through creek mouths and
out to the sea. These species are often found in steep, short, coastal streams that lack substantial if any estuary.
Larvae require direct access to the ocean for survivorship and development. Little is known of the marine larval phase
of sicydiines, except that they are capable of substantial time at sea (typically 2-4 months).
(Ebner and Thuesen 2010, Ebner et al. 2011, Thuesen et al. 2011)
Transfer Information (for up-listing or down-listing of species)
Note: If the nomination is to transfer a species between categories please complete questions 15, 16 and 17. If the nomination is for
a new listing please proceed to question 18. If the nomination is to delist the species, please use the delisting form.
1.
1. 15.
REASON FOR THE NOMINATION FOR CATEGORY CHANGE
Please mark the boxes that apply by clicking them with your mouse.
What is the reason for the nomination:
Genuine change of status
Taxonomic change – ‘split’
1.
1. 16.
New Knowledge
newly described
Mistake
‘lumped’
Other
no longer valid
INITIAL LISTING
Describe the reasons for the species’ initial listing and if available the criteria under which it was formerly considered
eligible
1.
1. 17.
CHANGES IN SITUATION
With regard to the listing criteria, how have circumstances changed since the species was listed that now makes it
eligible for listing in another category?
Population Size
1.
1. 18.
a.
b.
a. a.
b. b.
NUMBERS
What is the total number of mature individuals? How was this figure derived?
Identify important populations necessary for the species’ long-term survival and recovery.
a. Numbers fluctuate within and among years but are typically less than 50 adult individuals in a catchment and
often less than 10 in smaller catchments. I currently estimate the number of adults based on current knowledge and
assuming that un-surveyed suitable streams host similar numbers of individuals (e.g. on the Malbon Thompson Range)
to be less than 500 individuals in the Australian Wet Tropics. This is based on direct counts from a series of catchments
(Ebner and Thuesen 2010, Ebner et al. 2011, Thuesen et al. 2011, XXXX XXXX and XXXX XXXX, unpubl. data). Whilst
these estimates are cause for concern, Stiphodon atratus is probably the most widespread and possibly the most
abundant of the Stiphodon species found in Australia (although Stiphodon rutilaureus can be equally abundant but is
sometimes completely absent from streams at times when S. atratus remains).
b. Based on current knowledge, the Australian adult populations are greatest in the Cape Tribulation streams and at
least one stream on the Malbon-Thompson Range (XXXX XXXX and XXXX XXXX, unpubl. data). Small populations in
tributaries of the lower Russell-Mulgrave River catchment (e.g. Fishery Creek) and along the Rex Highway (e.g. Ellis
Beach region) and a tributary of Liverpool Creek, and at Russell Heads, appear to be small (typically less than 10
individuals) (XXXX XXXX pers. obs.). There are also some records of this species from small spring fed streams on the
North-east of Cape York Peninsula (see Ebner et al. 2011). At this stage, the spatial and temporal connections between
Australian and wider Indo-Pacific populations/metapopulations of Stiphodon atratus are unknown.
1.
1. 19.
a.
a. a.
POPULATION TREND
What is the population trend (PAST to CURRENT) for the entire species? Is the population trended
increasing or decreasing, or is the population static? If possible, include a percentage change in population size
over a 10 year or 3 generation period, whichever is the longer (for example, “this species has shown an 80%
decline over 23 years, which is equal to 3 generations”). Please ensure you provide relevant data sources.
b. b. b.
Is this trend likely to continue, or are there any data which indicate that there may be FUTURE
changes in population size? Provide relevant data sources.
c. c. c.
Does the species undergo extreme fluctuations in the number of mature individuals?
a. No long term relevant data; therefore trend unknown.
b. Trends are likely to have been relatively stable if Stiphodon atratus was not widely distributed in urban (e.g. Cairns)
and rural (e.g. sugar cane farm drains) streams and if Cape Tribulation has been the strong hold for this species in
Australia during the post-European settlement period. Otherwise the trend was likely negative. The only relevant
information is that a number of streams containing this species involve human activity including water extraction at
the current time. Water extraction, especially late in the dry season, in small streams, is concerning, since habitat is
likely negatively affected by reduced stream flow and connectivity to the ocean, and complete dewatering of some
streams.
c. Potentially.
1.
1. 20.
PROBABILITY OF EXTINCTION IN THE WILD
Has the probability of the species’ extinction in the wild over a particular timeframe been quantified? If so, identify and
explain the quantitative measures or models used to generate this probability.
The potential past, current or future extinction of this species has not been given serious research attention. At this
stage the distribution and abundance of the species is being mapped in the Australian Wet Tropics, and effort is
currently being put into determining at risk populations primarily in association with peri-urban development (XXXX
XXXX and XXXX XXXX, unpubl. data). The connectivity of populations within Australia and between Australian and other
Pacific Island streams remains to be investigated, but such information is relevant to the extinction risk question.
Geographic Distribution
1.
1. 21.
GLOBAL DISTRIBUTION
Describe the species' known or estimated current and past global distribution (include a map if available). Does the
species exist within a threatened ecological community listed under the EPBC Act?
Stiphodon atratus has been recorded from Indonesia, Northern New Guinea, Admiralty Islands, Halmahera Island,
Bismarck Archipelago, Bouganville, Vanuatu and New Caledonia and the Australian Wet Tropics (Keith et al. 2010,
Ebner et al. 2011). The Australian populations likely represent a small fraction of global numbers of S. atratus, due to a
lack of suitable habitat (steep gradient coastal streams with an absence of non-amphidromous/continental fishes) in
Australia. However, much of the potential range of this species remains to be surveyed.
1.
1. 22.
EXTENT OF OCCURRENCE within Australia
NOTE: The distribution of the species within Australia is assessed in two ways, the EXTENT OF OCCURRENCE and the
AREA OF OCCUPANCY. The two concepts are closely related, and often confused. Therefore, before you answer this
question, please see the definitions and explanatory material in Attachment A.
a. a. a.
What is the CURRENT extent of occurrence (in km2)? Explain how it was calculated and provide
relevant data sources.
b. b. b.
Has the extent of occurrence changed over time (PAST to CURRENT)? If so, provide evidence.
c. c. c.
Is the extent of occurrence expected to decline in FUTURE? If so, provide evidence.
d. d. d.
Does the species’ extent of occurrence undergo extreme fluctuations? If so, provide evidence.
a) The known extent of occurrence of S. atratus spans the narrow coastal strip from Nyletta Creek in the south of the
Wet tropics (Liverpool Creek catchment) to Camp Creek on Cape York (Ebner et al. 2011). The species is typically found
in less than a few hundred metres of a stream if present. Therefore the known extent of occurrence is in the order of
1000 km2.
b) Each year, I continue to discover very small populations of this species in marginal creeks but these discoveries have
not increased the extent of the known occurrence of Stiphodon atratus. To be fair, I am almost exclusively looking
within the Wet Tropics.
c) I think the northern and southern extremes in known distribution of this species may expand with increased survey
effort and might reduce with the advent of certain human impacts. The more important issue with this species relates
to area of occupancy and populations near to Cairns where human impacts on streams are likely occurring currently or
are likely to occur in the near future.
d) The extent of occurrence of the adult populations of this species probably fluctuates as a function of both its life
cycle (recruitment of the marine larval phase, lifespan of adults) and the dynamics of available habitat (i.e. ephemeral
streams and permanent streams (with intermittently opened stream mouths – i.e. opening to the sea)).
1.
2.
1. 23.
2.
AREA OF OCCUPANCY
NOTE: The distribution of the species within Australia is assessed in two ways, the EXTENT OF OCCURRENCE and the
AREA OF OCCUPANCY. The two concepts are closely related, and often confused. Therefore, before you answer this
question, please see the definitions and explanatory material in Attachment A.
a. a. a.
What is the CURRENT area of occupancy (in km2)? Explain how it was calculated and provide relevant
data sources.
b. b. b.
Has the area of occupancy changed over time (PAST to CURRENT)? If so, provide evidence.
c.
d.
c. c.
d. d.
Is the area of occupancy expected to decline in FUTURE? If so, provide evidence.
Does the species’ area of occupancy undergo extreme fluctuations? If so, provide evidence.
a. The known area of occupancy of Stiphodon atratus in Australia is certainly less than 10 km2 and probably less than 1
km2 depending on how it is calculated. The species is known from 12 creeks and is usually in a very short reach of 50200 m of stream (i.e. a few pools)(with stream widths often 5-20 m). In the three creeks where S. atratus distribution is
known to be greatest in terms of stream length and area and where abundance is greatest (Noah, Emmagen and Oliver
Creek) the sum total of stream length inhabited by this species is less than 5 km and therefore the area of stream that
is occupied is less than 1 km2. Technically it is even further constrained by the fact that Stiphodon atratus is rearely
present in riffles or fast runs, occurring mostly in pools or slow runs.
b. Unknown; possibly, in small coastal creeks in rural and urban landscapes, and where small holiday house/resorts
utilize freshwater water (since S. atratus is found in streams without significant estuaries, there are often picturesque
beaches involved and henceforth resorts and caravan parks etc). But this species is only recently recorded in Australia,
so historical information is not available.
c. Yes. Increasing peri-urban development including water extraction and riparian zone clearing is likely to affect
populations at Ellis Beach, in tributaries of the lower Russell-Mulgrave, Russell Heads, Yarrabah and potentially
elsewhere, where small populations remain undetected.
d. Largely unknown. However, where streams have been revisited in some cases adult numbers appear to be relatively
stable in certain pools/catchments but not in others. In some streams where adult S. atratus have been observed they
can be absent just a few months (or a year or so) later, or vice versa (Ebner, unpubl, data).
1.
1. 24.
PRECARIOUSNESS
a.
a. a.
Is the species' geographic distribution severely fragmented, or known to exist at a limited number of
locations?
b.
b. b.
Is the area, extent and/or quality of the species' habitat in continuing decline (observed / inferred /
projected)?
c. c. c.
Is the number of locations or subpopulations in continuing decline (observed / inferred / projected)?
d. d. d.
Are there extreme fluctuations in the number of locations or subpopulations of this species?
Please ensure that you provide evidence and appropriate references.
a. Stiphodon atratus has a highly fragmented distribution in Australia but this in itself is not necessarily a cause for
concern since amphidromous sicydiine gobies access streams via a marine larval phase and because short coastal
streams are not always open to the sea. Currently this species is known from about a dozen sites in Australia.
b. A number of the known populations of adult S. atratus in the Australian Wet Tropics are in peri-urban or rural
landscapes where human development or activity poses risk (e.g. water extraction, spread of invasive species, land and
stream clearing). For instance, in Fishery Creek there has been bulldozing of the stream bed (Ebner, pers. obs.), there is
also water extraction from about two thirds of the creeks that I find Stiphodon atratus in, even though much of this
extraction would be considered small scale (attracts limited if any government monitoring or regulation) but in small
creeks.
c. unknown
d. From the little data collected to date, there can be large fluctuation within and among years in some of the larger
populations. It is not known of this is a function of a short life span.
(Ebner et al. 2011)
1.
1. 25.
PROTECTED AREAS
Is the species protected within the reserve system (e.g. national parks, Indigenous Protected Areas, or other
conservation estates, private land covenants, etc.)? If so, which populations? Which reserves are actively managed for
this species? Give details.
Populations of S. atratus exist within National Parks (e.g. the Daintree National Park, Mowbray National Park), and
indigenous protected areas on the Malbon-Thompson Range. However, populations also exist in or in association with
peri-urban, tourism (resorts, caravan parks) and rural areas where among other things water extraction occurs (Russell
Heads, Fishery Creek, Ellis Beach, Turtle Creek). None of the S. atratus populations are actively managed to protect the
species.
Threats
1.
1. 26.
KNOWN THREATS
Identify any KNOWN threats to the species, and state clearly whether these are past, current or future threats.
NB – CLIMATE CHANGE AS A THREAT. If climate change is an important threat to the nominated species it is
important that you provide referenced information on exactly how climate change might significantly increase the
nominated species’ vulnerability to extinction. For guidance refer to the Guidelines for assessing climate change as a
threat to native species (Attachment B; Part B2).
Past
Unknown due to recent discovery of species in Australia
Potentially urban development (e.g. Cairns)
Potentially rural development (e.g. channelization in the lower Russell-Mulgrave tributaries)
Current
Water extraction and stream regulation including instream barriers (Turtle Creek, Ellis Beach North, Ellis Beach South,
Russell Heads, Fishery Creek, Emmagen Creek, Oliver Creek)
Competition with pest species (Cane toad tadpoles e.g. Ellis Beach, Fishery Creek, Turtle Creek, more ephemeral creeks
on Cape Tribulation) and lack of active management given the small size of some of these stream catchments (e.g.
toad control including toad nest removal is probably quite feasible in these small systems and certainly in the short
reaches where S. atratus lives).
Reduced riparian zone and direct stream clearing (e.g. Fishery Creek, Ellis Beach South)
Lack of knowledge (Populations of this species recently discovered, and ongoing monitoring is largely unfunded and
opportunistic; the links between relevant and current research and appropriate town planners, management agencies
and land owners is in the early stages).
Future
Alien fish invasions (e.g. climbing perch, Tilapia)
Translocation of native fishes (e.g. predators including Hephaestus spp.) They seem to coexist with small Tully grunter
H. tulliensis and Silver grunter Mesopristes argenteus, but are unlikely to coexist with Sooty grunter H. fuliginosus.
Potential overharvest for private aquaria (all creeks) since distribution highly localized within creeks and (XXXX) science
continues to inform collectors of the distribution of this species.
Urbanisation and resort development
Inaction (e.g. not commencing pest control initiatives)
Note that one of the issues associated with Stiphodon atratus is the small size of the streams that they occupy. In some
cases these streams are small first to fifth order streams that are subject to small scale water extraction (contrasting
the large-scale water extraction and associated infrastructure and regulation (e.g. government commissioned dams)).
In turn this can mean that small scale human activity associated with a few dwellings, a caravan park or a resort, have
the potential to impact stream flow, and whether or not a stream opens to the sea, particularly late in the dry season.
These small scale impacts have the potential to impact the small populations of S. atratus, but remain to be properly
investigated.
1.
1. 27.
POTENTIAL THREATS
Identify any POTENTIAL threats to the species.
Overharvest for the aquarium trade
Overharvest for science included if not conducted in a transparent and coordinated manner under permits
Both of the above threats are especially relevant to this species since it is: a) easily captured with minimal equipment
or skill, b) because the populations are small and concentrated in short stretches of stream that are easily accessible as
they often intersect with main highways, and c) because the species is colorful and desirable but has a complex life
history that renders breeding in captivity difficult (thus demand cannot be easily countered within the aquarium
industry).
Climate change - no relevant research underway
1.
1. 28.
THREAT ABATEMENT
Give an overview of recovery and threat abatement/mitigation actions that are underway and/or proposed.
The management of S. atratus has essentially not commenced in Australia. I have been gathering scientific data and
communicating with relevant local groups and agencies. Currently, there is a lack of resources to develop a
comprehensive recovery-protection plan for this species.
Surveys and Monitoring
1.
1. 29.
DISTINCTIVENESS
Give details of the distinctiveness of the species.
Is this species taxonomically distinct? Taxonomic distinctiveness is a measure of how unique a species is relative to
other species.
How distinct is this species in its appearance from other species? How likely is it to be misidentified?
Males of this species are unmistakable to the trained eye and are highly unlikely to be confused with local congeners.
Conversely, female S. atratus are very similar in appearance to some other Stiphodon spp. (especially S. semoni) being
white or cream coloured with horizontal black stripes. Additionally, females of these species sometimes form mixed
schools. However, since all of the four Stiphodon species occurring in Australia are rare and probably warrant
conservation listing (see Ebner et al. 2011) this is unlikely to prevent the need for listing any one of these species under
the EPBC Act.
1.
1. 30.
DETECTABILITY
Provide information on how easy the species is to detect and the ease of which it has been/can be surveyed.
• 

If possible, provide information on when and how surveys should be conducted, for example:
• ¥ Recommended methods
• ¥ Season, time of day, weather conditions
• ¥ Length, intensity and pattern of search effort
• ¥ Limitations and whether or not the method is accepted by experts
• ¥ Survey-effort guide
• ¥ Methods for detecting the species.
Visual survey methods for detecting and counting Stiphodon spp. have been developed and applied to coastal stream
catchments in the Australian Wet Tropics (Ebner and Thuesen 2010, Ebner et al. 2011 ). As long as crocodiles are
absent from stream reaches, generally snorkel based visual searches provide a highly effective means of surveying this
species (see Ebner and Thuesen 2010). Stiphodon atratus is a diurnal grazer that can be surveyed throughout daylight
hours. Snorkel surveys are relatively rapid and enable searching of considerable stream lengths (Thuesen et al. 2011,
XXXX XXXX and XXXX XXXX, unpubl. data). For instance, one hundred metres of stream can be surveyed in about 20
minutes to an hour. Streams are formally surveyed by 1 to 3 researchers (tailored to stream width), and is based on
forming an emu parade. Opportunistic snorkeling by a single researcher is often used to monitor known isolated small
populations or to search for new populations (in the absence of funding) (XXXX XXXX, unpubl. data).
a.
a. 31.
SURVEYS
Provide information on survey effort to date, and any ongoing/proposed monitoring programs.
Complete surveys of three streams (3rd to 5th order) conducted in 2010-2012.
Opportunistic snorkel based surveys of further equivalent or smaller sized catchments base on knowledge of where
Stiphodon atratus is likely to exist, has revealed records from at least ten streams (2009-).
Ongoing monitoring is inadequately resourced and is largely achieved through volunteer effort.
A grant from a charitable bequest provided some seed funding to conduct surveys at Cape Tribulation through Griffith
University in 2010/2011 (Ebner).
Indigenous Ranger programs may provide one useful means of monitoring and protecting Stiphodon populations in
Australia.
Indigenous Values
a.
a. 35.
INDIGENOUS CULTURAL SIGNIFICANCE
Is the species known to have cultural significance for Indigenous groups within Australia? If so, to which groups?
Provide information on the nature of this significance if publicly available.
I have had far too few discussions with traditional owners regarding Stiphodon atratus. From some of these
conversations I have become aware that:
Stiphodon gobies are known to the Kuku Yalanji People, including in relation to the Blue Pools in Cooper Creek.
Sicydiine gobies are known to some of the Djunbunji Rangers in the Yarrabah area.
Reviewers and Further Information
a.
a. 36.
REVIEWER(S)
Has this nomination been peer-reviewed? Have relevant experts been consulted on this nomination? If so, please
include their names, current professional positions and contact details.
No. Unfortunately this nomination has been prepared in haste and I have not had time to have it reviewed by experts.
There are few Australian fish ecologists researching Stiphodon atratus. I regularly communicate with those that do,
including Paul Thuesen, James Donaldson, Chris Fulton, Helen Larson and Jeff Johnson.
a.
a. 37.
FURTHER INFORMATION
Identify relevant studies or management documentation that might relate to the species (e.g. research projects,
national park management plans, recovery plans, conservation plans, threat abatement plans, etc.).
The critically endangered Opal Cling Goby, Stiphodon semoni, often co-inhabits streams with S. atratus.
There is currently an effort to list Stiphodon spp. as no take species under state fisheries legislation in Queensland.
I am working with Cairns Regional Council and North Queensland Regional Councils (NQROC) to ensure local town
planning along the coastal strip in the Cairns region is achieved with knowledge of the distribution of Sicydiine gobies.
a.
a. 38.
REFERENCE LIST
Please list key references/documentation you have referred to in your nomination.
Ebner, B. C and Thuesen, P. (2010). Discovery of stream-cling-goby assemblages (Stiphodon species) in the Australian
Wet Tropics. Australian Journal of Zoology 58, 331-340.
Thuesen P. et al. (2011). Ampidromy links a newly documented fish community of continental Australian streams, to
oceanic islands of the West-Pacific. Plos One 6:10
Ebner et al. (2011). A review of distribution, field observations and precautionary conservation requirments for
sicydiine gobies in Australia. Cybium 35, 397–414.
Keith et al. (2010) Vanuatu Freshwater Fish and Crustaceans. 254 p. Paris: SFI.
a.
a. 39.
APPENDIX
Please place here any figures, tables or maps that you have referred to within your nomination. Alternatively, you can
provide them as an attachment.
Figure 1. The known distribution of Stiphodon atratus in the Australian Wet Tropics modified from Ebner et al. (2011).
Triangles indicate published records and circles mark unpublished records (XXXX XXXX, unpubl. Data).