January 2026
Red-finned Blue-Eye (Scaturiginichthys vermeilipinnis)
Image © Dean Gilligan
The Red-finned Blue-Eye is one of Australia’s smallest vertebrates and one of its most conservation-dependent. Endemic to a tiny complex of springs in central-western Queensland, its entire wild range covers less than half a hectare. Its extreme micro-endemism means even minor habitat changes can be catastrophic.
The species’ collapse was driven by degradation of its fragile spring habitats and the introduction of Eastern Mosquitofish (Gambusia holbrooki). Introduced in the 1990s for mosquito control, Gambusia spread rapidly and outcompeted the endemics. In most springs, the Red-finned Blue-Eye vanished within a few seasons. Impacts from cattle and feral pigs further degraded water quality and vegetation. The fish was listed as Critically Endangered in 1996 and later named among the world’s most endangered species.
In 2008, Bush Heritage Australia purchased the land to protect the Blue-Eyes. Livestock were removed, feral animals controlled, refuge populations established, and the first successful captive-breeding programme developed. Intensive management now focuses on excluding and eradicating Gambusia, restoring springs, and returning populations. Although still highly vulnerable, these efforts have driven a major recovery. To learn more about this magnificent little species, check out SHOAL’s Tiny Fishes report here
Nominated by Michael Edmondstone