Spots in the Canning for western minnows?
Submitted by pseudechisbutleri on Wed, 2017-01-11 07:58
I'm feeling a bit too impatient to wait for an answer from the blokes at AquariumLife.com, so I'll have a try here. I'm in need of some western minnows for my aquarium. I had a look around in Bannister Creek several times but didn't find any minnows. I know the Swan Valley Fish and Lily Farm but that's too much of drive for me. I've also personally seen minnows down in Araluen but that's also too far, plus I'm not sure if I'm allowed to fish there. Does anyone know of any other spots along the Canning?
Terry
Posts: 458
Date Joined: 04/12/05
where do you live
And how far is to far to drive for these little critters. ?
Your profile is a little bit lacking in info.....try this mob if it isnt too far http://www.greenlifesoil.com.au/gardening/nativefish
luke george
Posts: 554
Date Joined: 13/04/07
As far as I know catching
As far as I know catching any fish yourself for an aquarium is illegal
pseudechisbutleri
Posts: 11
Date Joined: 09/01/17
I live in Shelley, maybe
I live in Shelley, maybe somewhere around Gosnells, maybe Kelmscott if I can't get any down from Gosnells, would be the furthest I'd like the fish to endure.
I checked out Green Life Soil, which is still a bit far, but I might consider it if I can't catch any wild ones.
pseudechisbutleri
Posts: 11
Date Joined: 09/01/17
Luke George,Only the
Luke George,
Only the protected species (we've got a few of em around here) are illegal to take. It's legal to take unprotected species such as western minnows, cobblers, western Pygmy perch and nightfish
luke george
Posts: 554
Date Joined: 13/04/07
Ok good to know, I've always
Ok good to know, I've always seen alot of them around the collie area but far upstream around flowing rocky spots. I think gosnells would be too far downstream in the canning river and all the landlocked ponds/streams would be full of gambusia
pseudechisbutleri
Posts: 11
Date Joined: 09/01/17
Have you ever seen them
Have you ever seen them anywhere along the Canning?
AHarman
Posts: 100
Date Joined: 22/03/12
DYOR pseudechisbutleri - is illegal mate!
FYI mate - not sure if you are aware - but all SW native freshwater species incl. western minnow (G. occidentalis) are illegal to catch - particularly for stocking an aquarium !? Wild Caught (WC) species are unlikely to adapt to tank conditions unless you are experienced. G. occidentalis is a schooling fish which undertakes considerable migration as well - wont do well in a small to medium size tank.
feral (introduced) species is another topic - i.e. redfin, goldfish, cichlids, carp etc.
Not to mention you would likely need an exemption from DoF to use some of the preferred equipment to catch freshwater fish.
Our native freshwater fish are already under enough pressure mate. best to leave them be!
Cheers
Adam
Shimka
Posts: 465
Date Joined: 06/02/14
Agreed. Not allowed to catch
Agreed. Not allowed to catch &/or transport any native species or introduced species that are considered noxious pests (transport only, catch as many as you want). The only legal way to get them & transport them is if they are purchased from an aquarium store. It is in fact illegal to transport any wild caught, live freshwater fish or fish eggs full stop end of story, unless you gain the proper approvals. Yes, even trout. The penalties are big. Are you willing to lose your car because you are too cheap to travel & buy? Never mind the time consuming exercise of having to return to where you caught them to collect water to fill the aquarium & then for water changes until they are acclimatised, which takes weeks, if not months. Hell of a lot easier, cheaper & faster just to go buy them.
pseudechisbutleri
Posts: 11
Date Joined: 09/01/17
Oh okay, I'll just get some
Not exactly sure if I agree with you about the legality of collecting wild specimens, but I do think that wild ones don't adjust as well as captive bred individuals. I think I must purchase just some from Vebas.
Cheers,
AHarman
Posts: 100
Date Joined: 22/03/12
freshwater cobbler
can be caught year round (no min size limit, bag limit 4 per day) - freshwater angling licence required.
wa recreational fishing rules states western minnow (and pygmy perch) are totally protected no take species
go nuts with the ferals. reddies are delicious!
pseudechisbutleri
Posts: 11
Date Joined: 09/01/17
Where did you get the info
Where did you get the info about the not take species? I can't find any mention of western minnows and pygmy perch (Nannoperca vittata, not the other two) on http://www.fish.wa.gov.au/FISHING-AND-AQUACULTURE/RECREATIONAL-FISHING/RECREATIONAL-FISHING-RULES/Pages/default.aspx or http://www.fish.wa.gov.au/Documents/recreational_fishing/rec_fishing_guide/rules_guide_statewide.pdf.
grantarctic1
Posts: 2546
Date Joined: 03/03/11
Page 34
Page 34 of the guide, under the heading( Protected Species )
pseudechisbutleri
Posts: 11
Date Joined: 09/01/17
The species listed do not
The species listed do not comprise of every single freshwater species, nor am I after the listed species.
luke george
Posts: 554
Date Joined: 13/04/07
What they are saying is the
What they are saying is the "protected" fish are no take whatsoever, if they are not on the protected list they could be used for bait, or I guess you could eat them? You'd need a few though. But as I thought all wild fish are illegal to take for ponds/aquariums.
pseudechisbutleri
Posts: 11
Date Joined: 09/01/17
where did it say that
where did it say that collecting wild fish for aquariums was illegal? I was under the impression that, legally, taking fish home for an aquarium (without the intention to sell) or for food were one and the same.
luke george
Posts: 554
Date Joined: 13/04/07
I'm unable to find the
I'm unable to find the literature on it but I've been informed by many different people and a couple of LFS that this is the law. I know in nsw it is legal but I'm quite sure WA has different laws regarding this
pseudechisbutleri
Posts: 11
Date Joined: 09/01/17
A little odd, as I recall
A little odd, as I recall emailing the Fisheries Department about this topic, and the guy telling me that "There are many protected species listed in the attached brochure (which includes protected from recreational fishing).
Freshwater protected species include:
§ balston’s pygmy perch (Nannatherina balstoni)
§ western trout minnow (Galaxias truttaceus)
§ mud minnow (Galaxiella munda)
§ black-stripe minnow (Galaxiella nigrostriatal)
§ pouched lamprey (Geotria australis)
§ salamanderfish (Lepidogalaxias salamandroides)
§ little pygmy perch (Nannoperca pygmaea)
you can fish for other freshwater species, but as per the guide you must have a license, use legal fishing gear and stick to the bag limits (which is also listed in the guide)"
meglodon
Posts: 5981
Date Joined: 17/06/10
Best to Email fisheries
And ask them to reply on a letter headed page siting the relevant legislation etc. They are the authority and then you are getting it straight from the horses mouth (as they say)
pseudechisbutleri
Posts: 11
Date Joined: 09/01/17
Okay, I'll send an email
Okay, I'll send an email today.
sea-kem
Posts: 14964
Date Joined: 30/11/09
I think I can qualify
I think I can qualify Aharman's comments, let's just say he's in the business of this subject and all over relevent regs.
Love the West!
Fisher Kid
Posts: 358
Date Joined: 16/10/12
Im not sure about the actual
Im not sure about the actual catching for aquarium, but im 99% sure it is illegal.
I know however you cannot legally transport any live fish for any reason whatsoever you technically need a permit.
"If you plan to move fish for purposes of non-commercial or commercial aquaculture, research, stocking of farm dams, restaurant trade, aquaponics or other similar activities, you are required under state legislation to apply for a translocation approval."
www.fish.wa.gov.au/Sustainability-and-Environment/Aquatic-Biosecurity/Pages/Keeping-Fish-As-A-Hobby.aspx
Fishing and catching are two different things. But i want to learn how to catch.
pseudechisbutleri
Posts: 11
Date Joined: 09/01/17
I don't think I'd need a
I don't think I'd need a translocation permit, but I'll speak with the Fisheries officer I'm emailing. In my opinion, me needing a translocation permit would be like needing a permit to take a fish from the pet shop home. I don't intend on doing any of the activities you listed either.