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RESEARCH ARTICLE
Contents Vol 60(4)

Effects of radio-tagging on two-year-old, endangered Macquarie perch (Macquaria australasica: Percichthyidae)

Ben T. Broadhurst A B D , Brendan C. Ebner A C and Rhian C. Clear A B
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations

A Parks, Conservation and Lands, Department of Territory and Municipal Services, ACT Government, GPO Box 158, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia.

B Present address: Institute for Applied Ecology, University of Canberra, Bruce, ACT 2601, Australia.

C Present address: Australian Rivers Institute, Griffith University, Nathan, Qld 4111, Australia.

D Corresponding author. Email: ben.broadhurst@canberra.edu.au

Marine and Freshwater Research 60(4) 341-345 https://doi.org/10.1071/MF08142
Submitted: 1 May 2008  Accepted: 26 November 2008   Published: 29 April 2009

Abstract

Radio-telemetry provides an effective means of studying the habitat use of threatened fishes where repeated recapture of individuals is undesirable. In these circumstances, it is especially important to ensure that radio-tagging methods are appropriate for the particular species of interest. An aquaria-based evaluation of three methods for radio-tagging two-year-old Macquaria australasica was conducted until 28 days post-surgery. Successful radio-tagging was determined from three indicators: (1) survival; (2) healing of the surgical incision or tag attachment site; and (3) resumption of feeding. Internal-coil radio-tags proved to be the most suitable radio-tag type, with complete survivorship and tag retention for the duration of the trial and fish commonly resuming normal feeding behaviour within two days post-surgery. In contrast, implanting a radio-tag internally and exiting a whip antenna is unsuitable for M. australasica on the basis of poor survivorship, rejection of radio-tags, and prolonged alteration of feeding behaviour. No mortality or radio-tag rejection was observed in association with externally attached whip-antenna radio-tags, and post-surgery resumption of feeding was comparable with that of fish with internal-coil radio-tags. However, external radio-tags caused substantial abrasion of the epidermis and loss of scales. Internal-coil tags should be applied in radio-tracking studies of this species.

Additional keywords: radiotelemetry, tag size, tag type.


Acknowledgements

L. Johnston contributed significantly to the initial trial and set up of aquaria facilities. W. Andrew provided advice on surgical procedures and animal health. Research and Monitoring, Parks Conservation and Lands provided aquaria facilities and technical support. J. Thiem, K. Ryan and M. Jekabsons assisted with surgery and recovery. The National Action Plan for Salinity and Water Quality (NAP) provided funding for this research. Comments from K. Frawley, G. Butler, E. Thorstad and O. Slavik dramatically improved drafts of the manuscript. This research was conducted under authorisation (CEAE05–10) from the Committee for Ethics in Animal Experimentation, University of Canberra. Our research was conducted in Ngunnawal Country.


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