River Black Fish , Gadopsis marmoratus. Other common names : Slippery, Slimy, Blackfish. There are large numbers of fingerling size fish in the Hughes Creek Catchment this season. River Black fish are common in most higher streams and creeks of the Strathbogie Ranges but they are less common in lower areas where only remnant populations exist . Black fish are particularly susceptible to siltation in their preferred upland streams . Agricultural practices lower in the catchment ( clearing of riparian areas ) have severely restricted the distribution of this fish . Black fish need in-stream cover, rocks and woody debris providing cover and shelter from fast flowing water. Their eggs are laid on the bottom surface of logs at various levels in the water column. Males guard the eggs.
Black fish eat other fish and aquatic insects. An ambush predator, they are secretive and shy, they lurk under undercut banks. Scrubworms are the best bait.
They can grow up to 600mm and 5.5kg . The most common size in our area is 300mm. They are reputed to be a superb eating fish with soft white flesh but need gentle treatment when cooking for best results. Poach or gently fry in butter. Do not over cook. Smaller fish are better cooked whole.
Strathbogie Ranges - Nature View 
Janet, I edited this post a little, to reflect the same layout (pic+text+more function) as some more recent posts. I think this makes for easier reading/scrolling on the home page. Anyone interested can just click the ‘continue reading’ link and get the whole post. Doesn’t mean you have can’t have a big, beautiful pic and a bit of text; just that if the post is longer than ~25 lines, use the ‘more’ function. I’m putting together some ‘notes to authors’ for this site and would be good to get your input.