Wamberal Lagoon Catchment Aquatic Survey Final Report (PDF ...

Figure 23. Box trap with
99 Flathead Gudgeons
Figure 24. Flathead Gudgeon Philypnodon grandiceps
5.2.4. Eleotridae
Flathead Gudgeons (Philypnodon grandiceps) were captured along the inflow drains and
the main Creek. In May during flood conditions only a large gudgeon was captured in
Forresters Creek, (ACP Specimen 2914) the gudgeon was very healthy and was captured
in a scoop of 1m³ of water with 112 Gambusia captured in the same scoop.
In June with reduced water levels the Gudgeon numbers were phenomenal. This was
exceptionally encouraging to see so many large healthy gudgeons in the system.
Flathead Gudgeons are a native species that tend to stay around the lower sections of
streams, not penetrating far upstream. These Gudgeons were captured the full length
of Forresters Creek from towards the Lagoon, to the creek crossing at the Entrance Road
(1POI001, 1POI002, 1POI003, 1POI007, 1POI009, 1POI0010, 1POI011). They are a predatory
species and will consume Gambusia and shrimp and just about anything they can fit into
their large mouths. In one small box trap a total of 99 flathead gudgeon were captured
(1POI003), this huge number represents another new record catch for the ACP and AABS
and reflects the exceptionally good environmental condition of Forresters Creek and
Wamberal Lagoon. A total of 124 flathead gudgeons were captured, seven were vouchered
to examine stomach contents, etc, the balance released.
Figure 25. Flathead Gudgeon Philypnodon grandiceps
Wamberal Lagoon Catchment Report Australian Aquatic Biological P/L 24