This special initiative, in collaboration with the City of Greater Bendigo, North Central CMA, and Landcare Australia, is part of a captive breeding program.
Together, we aim to restore wild populations across the region. Every release helps protect biodiversity and secure a healthier environment for future generations.
These small but resilient fish are being placed in various habitats, from farm dams to urban wetlands. These locations are more than release sites—they’re “surrogate sites.”
Surrogate sites serve two important roles. First, they act as backup populations across the landscape. Second, they function as natural hatcheries, supporting the growth of future wild populations.
The Viewpoint Huntly Wetlands clearly show what habitat restoration can accomplish. With strong aquatic vegetation, this site offers perfect cover and shelter for the Purple-Spotted Gudgeon.
As a floodplain specialist, this fish thrives in wetland areas—especially when floodwaters return and create safe spaces from predators.
However, successful conservation takes more than water alone. It also requires dense aquatic plants, tangled habitat structures, and hidden snags for shelter.
Fortunately, we’ve created exactly that. In fact, the vegetation is now so thick in places that walking through it is nearly impossible—and that’s ideal for these fish.
Looking forward, we hope wetlands like this won’t just protect local fish—they’ll also help replenish wild populations throughout the region.
It’s a long-term commitment, but we’re fully invested in a thriving, sustainable future.
