(Misgurnus anguillicaudatus)

The oriental weatherloach was recently for the first time recorded in South Australia. This pest fish has been established in New South Wales, the Australian Capital Territory and Victoria for some time, and is classed as a significant and Noxious Listed species in this state.

This species is known to impact native fish through direct predation of juveniles or their eggs. It is also breeds rapidly, and in high numbers, and is extremely tolerant to a wide range of environmental conditions. These conditions include long periods of dry as individuals will bury into the mud to survive.

Due to the rapid growth of populations, their tolerance to a range of conditions and potential to negatively impact native fish, the occurrence of this species is cause for concern.

Have you seen the Oriental Weatherloach?

If you’ve seen this fish, then use this online reporting tool to tell us about it.
The Oriental Weatherloach is pest fish that’s been established in New South Wales, the Australian Capital Territory and Victoria for some time, and is classed as a significant and Noxious Listed species in South Australia. It impacts other native fish by preying on juveniles or their eggs. Don’t let it get established in our state!

What does it look like?

• A relatively small-sized fish known to attain a maximum length of about 25cm, but more often 20cm.
• An elongate and cylindrical body.
• Generally orange-yellow to yellow-grey in colour, darker along their back with black and dark brown spots.
• Five pairs of small barbels around the mouth, three on the upper jaw and two on the lower jaw.

The oriental weatherloach gets its name from its apparent restlessness during changes in air pressure.

What it is not!

The oriental weatherloach may be mistaken for the native freshwater catfish (Tandanus tandanus), particularly juvenile catfish. Freshwater catfish also have barbels around the mouth, but can be distinguished from the oriental weatherloach by the shape and tail:

1. The native catfish grow larger in size, are flattened ventrally (top to bottom) and have a tail fin which begins at the top, extending to the back and around underneath to the anal fin.
   
   
2. The oriental weatherloach, however, is cylindrical in shape and has a distinct, rounded tail fin at the end of the body. 
   

   (Photo: Lara Suitor)

State Government agencies are working to prevent further spread of the oriental weatherloach. It is important that people know and understand what this pest fish is so that it is not transferred to other waterways or returned to the water.

What do I do if I find one?

The oriental weatherloach is a Noxious Listed species through the Fisheries Management Act 2007 and it is therefore illegal for people to possess this species. If you find this fish, do not return it to the water or leave it on the bank; BAG IT, FREEZE IT, BIN IT!

Biosecurity SA is monitoring the spread of this species and is asking that all individuals found to be reported. Report any sightings or catches of the oriental weatherloach to the 24 hour FISHWATCH hotline on 1800 065 522

You can also report sightings using the on-line reporting tool.

Disclaimer

Use of the information in this Fact Sheet is at your own risk. The Department of Primary Industries and Resources and Biosecurity SA and its employees do not warrant or make any representation regarding  the use, or results of the use, of the information contained herein in terms of its suitability, correctness, accuracy, reliability, currency or otherwise. The entire risk of the implementation of the information which has been provided to you is assumed by you. All liability or responsibility to any person using the information is expressly disclaimed by the Department of Primary Industries, Biosecurity SA and its employees.