Source: Atlas of Living Australia. The dorsal and pectoral fins each have an embedded spine. These serrated spines are venomous. Puncture wounds from an Estuary Cobbler spine can be very painful. The Australian Museum respects and acknowledges the Gadigal people as the First Peoples and Traditional Custodians of the land and waterways on which the Museum stands.
Image credit: gadigal yilimung shield made by Uncle Charles Chicka Madden. This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. Learn more. Skip to main content Skip to acknowledgement of country Skip to footer An Estuary Cobbler at a depth of 2. Introduction Estuary Cobblers have dorsal and pectoral fins with an embedded spine. Identification The Estuary Cobbler is has mottled brown and yellow colour pattern.
In the living fish, the obvious tooth patch to the left of the image the vomerine teeth , is positioned towards the front of the roof of the mouth. Habitat The species is usually found in estuaries and silty bays. Distribution It occurs in temperate marine waters from southern Queensland to southern Western Australia. Breeding behaviours Adult males guard newly hatched larvae between the pelvic fins.
Danger to humans The dorsal and pectoral fins each have an embedded spine. References Edgar, G. Although the venom of this species has not been studied, based on other catfish, the effect is likely due to either localised edema swelling due to a hemolytic effect destruction of red blood cells and release of fluid into bloodstream; causes increased blood flow in the area of the injury - or due to vasoconstriction reduction in size of veins which elicits pain due to pressure from restricted flow.
The secondary effects from catfish spines are also a significant concern, due to bacterial and fungal infections that can be introduced through the puncture wound or when pieces of tissue break off in the wound. Using ice is not recommended and is reported to increase pain. Reasonably common between Moore River north of Perth to the Blackwood River in the south-west corner and as far east as Frankland River, although generally restricted to the more permanent areas of rivers and streams and within most large reservoirs.
Prefers deeper waters of larger rivers, creeks, dams and lakes, within reach of permanently inundated areas. It is most commonly found in areas of complex shelter, hiding amongst large woody debris, under undercut banks and tree roots during the day. Feeds on freshwater crayfish, shrimp, molluscs and small fish younger animals targeting smaller benthic invertebrates. Based on fish in the Blackwood River southern limit of their range , females mature at around mm and peak spawning occurs between November and December.
Some individuals have been shown to move considerable distances 8 km or more within the relatively short streams of the south-west, however most of the population is expected to undertake more localised migrations small home range — moving upstream with higher water levels through winter months accessing spawning and nursery grounds , with adults subsequently moving back downstream.
Studies of diurnal movement patterns clearly show that populations will remain in shelter through the daylight period, and then move out into adjacent habitats likely to forage as the sun sets; returning to the daytime habitat before the sun rises again. Hoese, G. Allen and J. Hanley , Petromyzontidae to Carangidae. Zoological Catalogue of Australia, Vol. Australian Government Publishing Service, Canberra, p. Sounds Ciguatera Speed Swim. Estimates based on models Preferred temperature Ref.
Phylogenetic diversity index Ref. Trophic level Ref. Generation time: 5. Resilience Ref. Vulnerability Ref. Price category Ref. Nutrients Ref. Common name e. Gadus morhua.
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