One of Tasmania’s most endangered freshwater fish has been immortalised on a new postage stamp, as conservationists report early signs of success in boosting numbers of the tiny species.
The Swan galaxias, a small fish found only in the upper reaches of a few streams on the state’s east coast, features in Australia Post’s latest endangered species stamp series.
The collection is designed to raise public awareness of the nation’s threatened freshwater fish.
The species was identified in 2019 as one of 22 Australian freshwater fish likely to become extinct within 20 years without significant conservation action.
It holds the dubious honour of being recognised as one of Australia’s most at-risk species and is listed as a priority under the Commonwealth’s Threatened Species Action Plan 2022–2032.
The Swan galaxias has been pushed into marginal habitats spanning just several hundred metres of stream due to pest fish that prey on them.
“The species has been restricted to these areas by the downstream presence of introduced trout and redfin perch,” the Inland Fisheries Service said.
Despite these challenges, conservation efforts are showing promise. Since 2023, three new conservation populations have been established in trout-free sections of suitable streams in the north-east.
“Early signs are these populations are establishing well and some breeding is occurring, making the long-term survival of this species more likely,” the service said.
The new stamps feature artwork by Dr Lindsay Marshall and are available through Australia Post’s Endangered Freshwater Fishes collection.
Other species to appear in the series include the Running River Rainbowfish, found only near Townsville and the Redfin Blue Eye, which survives on just one property in central Queensland.
