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| The average size of Redfin is 40-50 cm in length and
1-2 kg in weight. Their maximum size is 60 cm in length and 10 kg
in weight. |
Originally from Europe, Redfin were introduced into Victoria in 1868.
They are now widespread throughout Queensland, the Australian Capital
Territory, central New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia in cooler
waters. Redfin have been stocked in
farm dams.
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IN THE PAST
Redfin were introduced from Europe in 1868. |
TODAY
Numbers of Redfin can be very dense in suitable lakes and dams. |
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| PLAINS |
SLOPES & TABLELANDS |
Redfin are found in creeks and rivers on the plains, slopes
and tablelands,
lakes, dams and wetlands. Their preference is for cool (less than 31°C)
and slow-moving waters. This may limit their distribution in
the Basin.
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| AQUATIC PLANT BEDS |
BILLABONGS |
| Redfin prefer still waters that have aquatic plant beds. |
MATING
Redfin may gather to spawn in
pairs, or with one male and several females. Many turn into adults within
1 year. In overcrowded conditions or where food is scarce, they may turn
into adults at the small size of 12 cm in length. |
SPAWNING
Redfin spawn at night in late spring and when the water temperature
rises to 12°C. |
EGGS
Thousands of Redfin eggs are laid in jelly-like ribbons which
are scattered among aquatic vegetation and submerged logs. Eggs hatch
after 1-3 weeks. |
JUVENILES
Young Redfin form schools for some time before going out on their
own. They can grow very fast, especially in dams. |
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| There is no information available on patterns of the movement of Redfin. |
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IN THE PAST
There is no history of Redfin being fished commercial. |
TODAY
Redfin are the basis of small fisheries in western Victoria and
South Australia. |
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IN THE PAST
Redfin were known as a good sporting and table fish but were
not a favourite of fishers. |
TODAY
Redfin are a popular species in Victoria. Large numbers of
Redfin in dams can lead to 'stunting' which means the fish are too
small to be of interest to fishers. |
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LEGAL SIZES
There are no size limits on Redfin that can be caught. This
applies to all States of Australia. |
CATCH LIMITS
There are no limits on the number of Redfin that can be caught
each day. This applies to all States of Australia. |
CLOSED SEASONS
Redfin can be caught all year round in all States of Australia. |
BAIT
Redfin are caught using fish and worms as bait. They are considered
pests in most States so cannot be used as live bait. |
| Currently, there are no threats to the survival of Redfin. |
REMEDIES?
Although popular with some fishers, Redfin are considered a pest
species. Fish experts think that they compete for food with larval and juvenile native fish
such as Murray Cod, Golden Perch and River Blackfish. They also eat a variety
of native fish species. A fish virus that was introduced by Redfin now affects
native fish species. |
CONTROL PLANS
There are currently no plans to control or reduce the number of
Redfin in any State of Australia. |
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