Cairns Rainbowfish (Cairnsichthys rhombosomoides)

Conservation status

Commonwealth, EPBC Act 1999: Endangered.

Queensland, Nature Conservation Act 1992: Endangered.

Breeding season

The species is resident in permanent Wet Tropics streams and has no documented long distance migration. Breeding information is strongest for August to October, while captive observations indicate that spawning can occur more broadly from April to December.

Captive observations report spawning from April to December, but the field breeding period identified in the conservation advice is August to October.

• Breeding: Field breeding is recorded from August to October, with females depositing batches of eggs among root masses.
• Young fish: Captive hatching takes about 7 days. Juveniles and larvae require cover such as root masses, leaf litter, aquatic plants and other structurally complex habitat.
• Local movement: No long distance migration is documented. Fish are associated year round with permanent foothill and lowland streams, although local movement within suitable habitat is likely.
• Highest clearing risk: Clearing and in stream disturbance are most likely to harm the species during the August to October breeding period, when eggs and early life stages may be present among roots, vegetation and leaf litter.

Identification

The Cairns rainbowfish is a small, laterally compressed fish with a relatively elongate body and a rounded predorsal profile. It is usually seen in small schools in clear, shallow to moderately deep freshwater streams.

Adults have a yellow to yellow brown upper body with fine darker scale outlines and a narrow dark midlateral stripe. The lower body is bluish to white, sometimes with a faint second stripe, and the caudal fin and caudal peduncle are solid yellow.

The head is brown grey. The iris is silver to blue above and silver to yellow below. A small, sometimes faint, blue black rectangular mark occurs on the upper operculum, and a faint blue black spot occurs at the base of the pectoral fin.

The first dorsal fin is short, the second dorsal fin is longer, the anal fin is long and the caudal fin is moderately forked. Breeding males develop stronger orange red edging on the dorsal and anal fins.

Maximum size: 66 mm standard length

Usual size: Around 7 cm

Identification: Sex differences

Males are generally larger and deeper bodied than females. Males have longer dorsal and anal fins and brighter breeding colours, while females have shorter, more rounded fins and a white patch on the lower part of the caudal peduncle.

Identification: Similar species and field signs

The main identification concern in northern Wet Tropics streams is the Daintree rainbowfish, Cairnsichthys bitaeniatus. The Cairns rainbowfish has a more rounded predorsal profile, a less prominent operculum mark and pectoral fin base mark, and usually lacks the strong second dark stripe on the lower body.

The Cairns rainbowfish lacks the pronounced yellow patch on the front underside of the body found in the Daintree rainbowfish. Breeding males have orange red rather than yellow edging on the dorsal and anal fins.

There are no species specific tracks, scats, calls, nests, sloughs or eyeshine signs. Field confirmation should rely on direct observation, photographs or appropriately authorised fish survey methods in the stream.

• Record the body profile, midlateral stripe, operculum mark, pectoral fin base mark, lower body colour and fin edging.
• Do not identify an isolated small rainbowfish from colour alone where Daintree rainbowfish or other rainbowfishes may occur.

Distribution: National range

The species is endemic to north eastern Queensland and has not been reported from any other Australian state. Its range is restricted to the Wet Tropics bioregion and is divided among catchments with limited intermixing.

The Cairns rainbowfish occurs in Queensland, from the vicinity of Yarrabah, about 13 km east of Cairns, south to the North Hull River system near Mission Beach. The range extends for about 120 km in a north to south direction.

Known systems include the Yarrabah area, Mulgrave and Russell rivers, North and South Johnstone rivers, Liverpool Creek, Maria Creek and the North Hull system. Records also occur in small coastal streams around the Innisfail region.

State: Queensland only

Bioregion: Wet Tropics

Approximate range length: 120 km

Distribution: Strongholds and subpopulations

Most historical records are from the Bellenden Kerr Range catchment, including tributaries of the Mulgrave and Russell river systems. The species has also been recorded at a smaller number of sites in the North and South Johnstone systems, Liverpool Creek, Maria Creek and the North Hull system.

The Yarrabah population is a northern outlier in a small catchment of less than 1 km2, isolated from the core distribution. The species has been extirpated from Freshwater Creek, a major lowland tributary of the Barron River catchment.

Genetic evidence indicates little intermixing among populations, even where they are close together. Each known occurrence is therefore treated as an important population and potential management unit.

Yarrabah catchment size: Less than 1 km2

Genetic study coverage: 10 populations across three river catchments

Distribution: Population size and trend

A total population size and reliable estimate of mature individuals are not provided. The species is listed as Endangered because its restricted distribution is associated with an inferred continuing decline in extent of occurrence, area of occupancy, habitat quality, number of subpopulations and number of mature individuals.

The most relevant site scale information for a project is the presence or absence of fish and suitable habitat in the affected stream and adjoining connected habitat. All known occurrences are considered important for long term survival and recovery.

Estimated total population: Not reported

Trend: Inferred continuing decline in distribution, habitat and mature individuals

Habitat: Stream types and physical setting

Cairns rainbowfish habitat consists of small, permanent streams in high rainfall country at the base of hills and mountain ranges. The species is most common between steep foothill sections and deeper, slower flowing downstream reaches.

Preferred streams have clear, flowing water and substrates dominated by granite boulders, sand or alluvium. Most known sites are below 50 m elevation, and the species is restricted to perennial foothill or lowland streams below 100 m.

The species is uncommon in short, steep coastal streams that drain directly to the ocean, although it occurs in a small stream north of Bramston Beach.

Typical elevation: Most sites below 50 m

Known elevation limit: Below 100 m

Recorded water temperature: 15 to 29°C

Recorded pH: 4.5 to 8.4

Recorded dissolved oxygen: More than 4.9 mg/L

Habitat: Structural features

The preferred microhabitat is shaded, with moderate to swift flow and abundant cover. Important features include woody debris, undercut banks, exposed tree roots, leaf litter and instream vegetation.

Lowland streams may have mud, sand and fine gravel with abundant leaf litter. Upland tributaries generally have stronger flow over large rocks and bedrock, with sand and fine gravel and good riparian cover.

Short term survival is possible in non flowing anabranch habitat, but loss of permanent stream flow can damage or eliminate local subpopulations.

• Retain riparian canopy, streambank roots, undercut banks, woody debris and instream cover within and beside the work area.
• Prevent sediment, nutrients, pollutants and construction runoff from entering clear water habitat.
• Maintain stream flows and avoid works that isolate occupied pools or remove connected suitable habitat.

Foraging habitat: Food and feeding sites

The Cairns rainbowfish feeds mainly at or near the water surface on terrestrial invertebrates that fall from overhanging vegetation. It also takes small benthic shrimp at some times of year.

Important feeding structure includes overhanging riparian vegetation, exposed tree roots, undercut banks, woody debris and other complex margins. These features support terrestrial invertebrate inputs and provide areas where shrimp occur.

The species commonly swims in small schools above or among aquatic plants, woody debris and leaf litter. It has been recorded in water from a few centimetres to about 3 m deep, but is more commonly found in water 30 to 50 cm deep.

Main food: Terrestrial invertebrates falling onto the water surface

Other recorded food: Small benthic shrimp at certain times of year

Common water depth: 30 to 50 cm

Recorded water depth range: A few centimetres to about 3 m

Foraging habitat: Foraging range

A species specific foraging range has not been established. Foraging habitat is closely associated with the occupied stream reach and its riparian edge rather than with a defined terrestrial range.

• Inspect shaded margins, root masses, undercut banks, woody debris, leaf litter and shallow pools when checking for occupied habitat.
• Avoid clearing overhanging vegetation or exposing banks where it supplies food and cover.

Breeding habitat: Breeding biology

Cairns rainbowfish breed in freshwater streams by depositing batches of adhesive eggs among root masses and other cover. The available field information identifies August to October as the breeding period.

Females deposit batches of eggs among root masses. Captive observations also report spawning among aquatic plants, leaf litter and gravel, but field information on incubation and larval development is limited.

Eggs hatch after about 7 days in captivity. Larvae and juveniles require sheltered aquatic habitat, although the species does not provide parental care.

Breeding season: August to October

Egg production: Approximately 130 to 740 eggs per female, depending on female length

Incubation: About 7 days in captivity

Age at sexual maturity: Less than 1 year, probably 6 to 7 months

Lifespan: Estimated at 2 to 3 years

Breeding habitat: Breeding habitat features

Root masses, undercut banks, woody debris, leaf litter, instream vegetation and stable shallow flowing water provide the structure associated with spawning and early life stages.

Loss of permanent flow, removal of riparian or instream vegetation, sedimentation and changes in water quality can reduce the suitability of breeding habitat. The area of known subpopulations and adjoining similar habitat that could support range extension is considered habitat critical to survival.

• Do not remove root masses, undercut banks or instream cover from an occupied or potentially suitable stream reach.
• Schedule in stream disturbance outside August to October where practicable, and apply fish rescue and relocation procedures where authorised works cannot avoid occupied habitat.
• Prevent fine sediment and polluted runoff from covering egg attachment sites or reducing dissolved oxygen.

Sheltering habitat: Aquatic refuge features

The species shelters within aquatic cover rather than using terrestrial dens, hollows or burrows. Shelter is provided by stream structure that also supports feeding and breeding.

Important refuges include woody debris, undercut banks, tree roots, instream vegetation, leaf litter, aquatic plants, shallow margins and structurally complex streambeds.

Fish are often associated with shaded sections of moderate to swift flow. Small schools may hold above or among cover in water from a few centimetres to about 3 m deep, most commonly at 30 to 50 cm.

Known refuge depth: Commonly 30 to 50 cm, with records from a few centimetres to about 3 m

• Retain bank roots, undercut margins, woody debris, leaf litter and aquatic vegetation in and beside the construction footprint.
• Keep shade over occupied stream sections where practicable, because riparian clearing can increase water temperature and simplify aquatic habitat.
• Treat connected adjoining habitat as potentially important even where fish are not detected during a single survey.

Sheltering habitat: Terrestrial signs

No terrestrial shelter structures or diagnostic field signs such as tracks, scats, burrows, nests, roosts or hollows are known for this species. Absence of these signs does not indicate absence of the fish.

Threats: Clearing, construction and fragmentation

The main project risks are loss of permanent flow, riparian and instream habitat disturbance, poor water quality and introduction or spread of predatory fish. The species has a restricted, fragmented distribution and limited opportunity for natural recolonisation after local loss.

Clearing for agriculture, urbanisation and infrastructure can remove riparian shade, roots, undercut banks, woody debris and instream vegetation. These changes can increase water temperature, simplify habitat, reduce food inputs and damage breeding and refuge sites.

Sediment, nutrients, pollutants and altered bank condition can degrade clear water habitat. Fragmented subpopulations are at high risk from local disturbance because natural recolonisation may be limited.

The documents do not identify a species specific road mortality pattern. Road crossings, culverts and other in stream structures should nevertheless be assessed for their potential to alter flow, increase sediment delivery or isolate occupied habitat.

• Confirm whether the waterway is occupied and map suitable adjoining habitat before clearing or in stream works.
• Keep machinery, spoil, stockpiles and fuels away from the channel and riparian edge, and control sediment and contaminated runoff.
• Avoid removing riparian canopy, bank roots, woody debris and instream vegetation unless the impact has been assessed and authorised.
• Maintain stream connectivity and permanent flow through the work area.

Threats: Hydrology and climate

Water extraction, impoundments and climate change can reduce or stop permanent stream flow. Reduced flow can cause local extirpation, particularly at isolated sites.

Higher temperatures, drought, altered rainfall, extreme floods, cyclones and bushfire can affect flow, water quality, stream temperature and substrate condition. Ash and sediment runoff after fire can persist downstream, reduce oxygen and fill stream crevices.

• Assess direct and indirect effects of abstraction, dewatering, crossings and flow diversion on the occupied reach.
• Monitor stream flow, water temperature, dissolved oxygen, turbidity and habitat condition before, during and after high risk works.
• Include severe weather, drought and post fire sediment controls in the site environmental management plan.

Threats: Introduced species, pigs and disease

Tilapia, platy, swordtail, guppy and introduced or translocated native fish can prey on small fish, compete for food, disturb substrates or damage aquatic vegetation. Cairns rainbowfish are less common where alien fish occur.

Feral pigs can erode streambanks, disturb riparian vegetation and increase sedimentation. Introduced fish may also carry diseases and parasites, although the species specific disease impact is not quantified.

• Do not release, move or stock fish, aquatic plants or water between catchments or sites.
• Inspect equipment, tanks and footwear under applicable aquatic pest and disease hygiene procedures before entering another waterway.
• Keep feral pigs and livestock away from occupied stream margins where practicable, using fencing or off stream watering points.
• Report suspected illegal fish releases or collection through the relevant Queensland authority.

Threats: Collection and handling

Illegal aquarium collection is an emerging threat. Collection from small, isolated subpopulations can be harmful because local numbers are limited and populations have little intermixing.

Any capture, handling, salvage or translocation associated with works should be undertaken only under the relevant approvals, by suitably qualified personnel and with strict aquatic biosecurity.

• Do not retain or remove fish from the site for private aquaria.
• Record capture location, habitat condition and release or holding details for any authorised salvage operation.
• Use species identification photographs and genetic or expert confirmation where Cairns rainbowfish could be confused with Daintree rainbowfish or another rainbowfish.

Survey methodology: 1. Aquatic habitat inspection

Cairns rainbowfish occupy small, permanent, clear-water streams in the Wet Tropics of north-eastern Queensland. Surveys should focus on perennial foothill and lowland streams below 100 m elevation, especially shaded reaches with moderate to swift flow, woody debris, undercut banks, exposed roots and instream vegetation.

Inspect all streams, tributaries, anabranches and connected wetlands that could be affected by clearing, earthworks, crossings, water extraction or changes to drainage.

Prioritise perennial streams near foothills, particularly reaches below 50 m elevation and within 2 km of foothills.

Record stream permanence, flow, water clarity, temperature, pH, conductivity, dissolved oxygen, substrate, water depth, riparian canopy, undercut banks, woody debris, exposed roots, leaf litter and instream vegetation.

Search both the main channel and nearby shallow or non-flowing anabranch habitat, because the species can occur in non-flowing anabranches even though permanent flow is important for persistence.

Survey methodology: 2. Visual fish survey

Use trained aquatic fish surveyors to inspect clear, shallow stream habitat by direct observation, photography, snorkelling or other approved low-impact methods suited to site access and water conditions.

Search shaded sections with moderate to swift flow and abundant cover, including woody debris, undercut banks, tree roots, aquatic plants and leaf litter.

Survey upstream and downstream of the proposed disturbance and include adjoining similar habitat that could support range extension or recolonisation.

Record survey date, start and finish time, observers, method, length of stream searched, water depth, flow conditions, visibility, weather, photographs and all fish detected.

Take care to distinguish Cairns rainbowfish from eastern rainbowfish and Daintree rainbowfish using body profile, operculum and pectoral-fin markings, lower-body stripe and breeding-male fin colour.

Preferred habitat elevation: Below 100 m, with most sites below 50 m

Typical water temperature: 15 to 29°C

Typical pH: 4.5 to 8.4

Typical dissolved oxygen: More than 4.9 mg/L

Survey methodology: 3. Environmental DNA and targeted sampling

Consider eDNA sampling where visual detection is difficult, where access is unsafe, or where the project could affect a small or isolated subpopulation.

Use eDNA only with an approved, validated method and appropriate contamination controls, because the conservation advice identifies eDNA as a method requiring investigation rather than an established species-specific protocol.

Undertake targeted surveys in all suitable streams within the disturbance footprint and in adjoining suitable streams, because the species has a patchy distribution and limited intermixing between populations.

Where fish capture is proposed, obtain the required animal ethics, scientific and Queensland wildlife approvals and use trained personnel; minimise handling and release fish at the capture location unless an approved translocation or rescue plan applies.

Survey methodology: Minimum effort and reporting

• Use a project-specific survey design that states the number of sites, stream length searched, search time, observers, method, environmental conditions and detection limitations, because the supplied documents do not specify a standard number of nights, hours, trap nights or transect length for Cairns rainbowfish.
• Repeat surveys when initial conditions are unsuitable, including when streams are turbid, highly disturbed, dry or inaccessible, and explain how those conditions affect confidence in a negative result.
• Survey during the August to October breeding period where practicable, while also considering seasonal flow conditions and the risk that a single survey will miss a small, fragmented subpopulation.
• Submit verified records, negative survey results where required, photographs, eDNA results and spatial data to the relevant Queensland wildlife database, such as WildNet, and provide records to the project approval authority.
• Report any suspected Cairns rainbowfish record promptly to the project ecologist and relevant Queensland wildlife authority before disturbance proceeds.

Before habitat disturbance: 1. Avoid and minimise habitat loss

Treat every known occurrence and suitable adjoining stream habitat as important to the species. The main pre-clearance risks are loss of permanent flow, riparian and instream habitat damage, sedimentation, invasive fish and feral pig disturbance.

• Avoid works in known occupied streams and in adjoining habitat that could support natural movement or future range extension wherever practicable.
• Retain permanent flow, natural channel form, shaded riparian vegetation, undercut banks, exposed roots, woody debris, leaf litter, instream vegetation and suitable granite boulder, sand or alluvium substrates.
• Do not place stockpiles, access tracks, compounds, refuelling areas or spoil where runoff can enter Cairns rainbowfish habitat.
• Design crossings and drainage so they do not interrupt stream flow, create barriers, increase scour or cause sediment, nutrient or pollutant inputs.
• Maintain connectivity between retained stream reaches and do not isolate a subpopulation through culverts, impoundments, dewatering or diversion.

Before habitat disturbance: 2. Approvals and work planning

• Check whether the proposed action is likely to have a significant impact on this EPBC Act Endangered species or its habitat and refer the action under the EPBC Act where required.
• Confirm Queensland listing requirements, scientific or animal handling permits, waterway, vegetation clearing, fisheries and other project approvals before works begin.
• Prepare a species-specific fauna and aquatic habitat management plan covering flow protection, sediment and erosion control, invasive fish and weed hygiene, dewatering, incident response, fauna handling, monitoring and reporting.
• Schedule in-stream disturbance outside the August to October breeding period where practicable, when females deposit eggs among root masses.
• Stage works so that occupied or potentially occupied stream reaches remain connected and flowing while adjacent sections are completed.

Before habitat disturbance: 3. Pre-clearance preparation

• Complete the aquatic habitat inspection and targeted fish survey before finalising the clearing boundary, access route, crossing design or dewatering plan.
• Mark known records, suitable habitat, no-go areas, stream buffers specified by the approval and locations of woody debris, undercut banks, exposed roots and instream vegetation for protection.
• Install exclusion fencing or other clearly visible controls where they can prevent plant, vehicle, sediment or stock access to retained stream habitat without blocking aquatic movement.
• Establish clean access and equipment hygiene procedures to prevent the transfer of tilapia, guppies, platys, swordtails, weeds, pathogens and sediment between waterways.
• Brief all machine operators, supervisors and fauna spotter catchers on the species, its habitat, stop-work triggers and the requirement to report any fish observation immediately.

During habitat disturbance: 1. Daily controls and machinery coordination

Keep works out of flowing and connected habitat unless the approved method specifically allows in-stream disturbance. A fauna spotter catcher should coordinate with the supervisor and plant operator, but aquatic rescue or capture must be undertaken only by appropriately authorised and trained personnel.

• Inspect exclusion fencing, sediment controls, flow paths, diversion structures, spill controls and retained riparian vegetation before work starts each day and after significant rainfall.
• Keep machinery, fuels, concrete washout, spoil and waste outside the retained stream corridor and prevent contaminated water from entering the channel.
• Use the smallest practical work area and keep clearing, access and in-stream disturbance to the approved footprint.
• Require the fauna spotter catcher to remain in direct communication with the supervisor and plant operator and to give a clear stop instruction whenever fish, aquatic habitat or an unapproved impact is detected.
• Do not allow machinery to enter water or remove woody debris, roots, rocks, banks or aquatic vegetation unless that action is authorised in the approved method.

During habitat disturbance: 2. Fish detection, handling and rescue

• Stop the relevant activity if a Cairns rainbowfish is seen, captured, stranded, injured or found in water that is being dewatered or isolated.
• Do not handle the fish unless the person is authorised and trained under the applicable Queensland requirements and the approved fauna management plan.
• Keep any approved rescue or capture effort low stress and release healthy fish into nearby retained habitat with suitable flow and cover, unless an authority-approved salvage, captive maintenance or translocation plan specifies another location.
• Do not mix fish from separate subpopulations or move fish between catchments without explicit approval, because genetic evidence indicates limited intermixing and separate management units.
• Transfer injured fish promptly to an approved aquatic wildlife carer, veterinarian or other authorised facility, and record the outcome.

During habitat disturbance: 3. Habitat and incident response

• Stop work and notify the environmental officer if permanent flow is reduced or lost, a fish is found in the disturbance area, sediment enters the stream, a bank collapses, a spill occurs, invasive fish are detected or the approved footprint is exceeded.
• Maintain sufficient flow and water quality during any approved diversion or dewatering and inspect isolated pools, bypass channels and downstream habitat for stranded fish before reinstating or removing controls.
• Recover only habitat features identified in the approved method, and place retained woody debris, rocks, roots and leaf litter back into suitable nearby aquatic habitat without burying occupied fish.
• Prevent the spread of invasive fish and weeds by cleaning and drying equipment between waterways and reporting any suspected tilapia, guppy, platy, swordtail or other introduced fish.
• Record the date, time, location, photographs, species identification, number and life stage if known, handling details, release location, injuries, mortality, water conditions, disturbance activity and corrective action.

After habitat disturbance: 1. Completion checks

Completion of earthworks does not end the risk. Check that flow, water quality, cover and connectivity have been restored, and continue monitoring where the approval or management plan identifies a residual risk.

• Inspect the full disturbance footprint and downstream reach for stranded, injured or dead fish, new barriers, bank instability, sediment deposits, altered flow paths, spills and damaged riparian vegetation.
• Confirm that temporary crossings, diversions, pumps, exclusion fencing and sediment controls have been removed or retained as specified in the approved plan.
• Verify that stream flow, shaded cover, undercut banks, roots, woody debris, instream vegetation and suitable substrate have not been unnecessarily removed or modified.
• Complete a post-work aquatic survey where the project caused in-stream disturbance, dewatering, flow alteration, major riparian clearing or a reportable incident.

After habitat disturbance: 2. Monitoring and reporting

• Monitor habitat condition, flow, water quality, riparian and instream vegetation and Cairns rainbowfish occurrence at the frequency and duration required by the approval or fauna management plan.
• Use consistent sites and methods so that abundance, length and weight data, photographs or validated eDNA results can be compared over time.
• Report all detections, mortalities, injuries, incidents, failed controls, corrective actions and monitoring results to the approval holder, relevant government agencies and the Queensland wildlife database where required.
• Review monitoring results annually and adapt flow protection, sediment controls, riparian rehabilitation, invasive species controls or staging if habitat condition declines or fish detections change.

After habitat disturbance: 3. Ongoing controls and offsets

• Maintain no-go areas, riparian protection, erosion controls, water quality controls and invasive species hygiene until the site is stable and the environmental officer signs them off.
• Implement any approved offset, habitat restoration or compensatory action for unavoidable impacts, with the action targeted to Cairns rainbowfish habitat and its identified threats.
• Document why avoidance was not practicable for any residual impact and retain spatial records of the affected and protected stream reaches.

Rehabilitation actions: 1. Restore stream and riparian habitat

Rehabilitation should recreate the shaded, flowing and structurally diverse stream habitat used by Cairns rainbowfish. The priority is to restore flow, riparian cover, bank refuge, instream structure and water quality, then verify that the habitat remains suitable over time.

• Re-establish locally appropriate native riparian vegetation to provide shade, overhanging cover, root structure and terrestrial invertebrate input.
• Stabilise disturbed banks with low-impact, site-appropriate methods that do not straighten the channel, remove undercut habitat or reduce natural flow diversity.
• Reconnect and protect perennial flow paths, shallow edge habitat and suitable adjoining habitat, while preventing new barriers caused by crossings, culverts or drainage works.
• Control sediment, nutrients, pollutants and weeds entering the stream from the rehabilitated area and nearby agricultural, residential or construction areas.
• Use locally sourced habitat materials where appropriate to reinstate woody debris, exposed roots, leaf litter, granite boulders, sand or alluvium without smothering existing habitat.

Rehabilitation actions: 2. Manage invasive species, predators and fire risk

• Inspect rehabilitated reaches for tilapia, guppies, platys, swordtails, introduced grunters and other invasive or translocated fish, and report or control them under the relevant authority-approved programme.
• Control feral pig access with fencing or other approved measures and provide off-stream watering points for livestock where grazing occurs.
• Manage invasive floating weeds, including Amazon frogbit where present, so that the water surface is not covered and dissolved oxygen is not reduced.
• Include rehabilitated habitat in fire risk planning and provide occurrence and habitat information to relevant fire management authorities.
• Use fire management practices that protect riparian vegetation and reduce the risk of ash, sediment and toxic runoff entering the stream after fire.

Rehabilitation actions: 3. Measure rehabilitation success

• Set success measures for permanent flow, water temperature, water clarity, dissolved oxygen, bank stability, riparian cover, instream structure, invasive species absence and Cairns rainbowfish detection before works finish.
• Establish baseline habitat condition and repeat the same measurements after rehabilitation, because the conservation advice identifies baseline and long-term monitoring as priorities.
• Use targeted fish surveys and validated eDNA methods where suitable, and interpret non-detections with the recorded flow, visibility, season and survey effort.
• Investigate additional habitat restoration or an approved conservation translocation only if monitoring shows that retained or restored habitat cannot support the affected subpopulation.
• Retain monitoring records, photographs, spatial data and maintenance actions for the approval period and provide them to the relevant agencies and Queensland wildlife database where required.

Sources

• Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, Australian Government DCCEEW: http://www.environment.gov.au/biodiversity/threatened/species/pubs/86541-conservation-advice-21122023.pdf
• Cairnsichthys, rainbowfish.angfaqld.org.au: https://rainbowfish.angfaqld.org.au/Rhombosomoides.htm
• [PDF] Threats, risk assessment and recovery action planning for rare and ..., Queensland Government: https://era.dpi.qld.gov.au/id/eprint/15230/1/Wet-Tropics-fish-risks-and-recovery-actions_QG_2025.pdf