An IFS Recreational Angling licence is needed to take River Blackfish from inland waters, unless captured by the use of a bush pole. A bush pole is defined as a length of wood that is not less than one metre in length and does not have a reel and running line. Licences can be purchased from more than 130 agents located in retail businesses around the state. Licensing agents are primarily fishing stores but also include most trout guides, Service Tasmania outlets and the IFS head office

The pelvic fins have evolved into a single branched ray, they have long low dorsal and anal fins and minute scales. Their lateral line follows the profile of their back

Usually dark on the back and sides and covered with regular dark patches and blotches

Commonly to 450 mm, but up to 750 mm and 5.5 kg

Native to streams on the states north coast as well as south east Australia. They have been established in several other waterways around the state through introductions. They will spawn in introduced habitat such as PVC pipes

Their full life cycle is spent in fresh water. Spawning occurs around November, with eggs hatching after 16 days, this is then followed by a further embryonic stage. Spawning takes place generally close to instream cover, inside submerged hollow logs where water speed is low. The male will guard the eggs until they hatch. Spawning appears to be temperature dependent

Nocturnal fish that are relatively sedentary, with no apparent migration. They tend to stay on the river bottom where their normal home range is only about 20 metres. They generally inhabit slow flowing sections of streams that are well oxygenated, with abundant cover such as snags and boulders. A variety of river depths is important as larger fish tend to occupy deeper water

They are opportunistic carnivores feeding on a variety of aquatic insects, crustaceans, terrestrial invertebrates and occasionally other fish.

Increased water flows; Extensive stream siltation from erosion; Removal of instream habitat, particularly woody debris; Reductions in water temperatures during spawning seasons

Naturally from the Arthur River in the north-west, along the north coast to Ansons River on the east coast. Introduced populations present in the Huon and Derwent catchments