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Victoria Burton's haplochromis (Astatotilapia burtoni)

This introduced cichlid is recorded at two Queensland sites: the Ross River and Hinze Dam. Its ecological impacts in Australia have not been reported, and assessments of its invasive potential have differed.

Key facts

Type: Pest animal, fish.

Native to: Lake Tanganyika, Lake Kivu and associated rivers in Africa.

Established in: .

Other names: Burton's haplochromis, Burton's mouthbrooder, Haplochromis burtoni.

Best time to act: Survey during daylight in calm conditions, concentrating on shallow margins, slow-flowing reaches and rocky areas.

Identification

  • A medium-sized cichlid, reported to grow to about 15 cm standard length.
  • Adult males commonly show blue or turquoise colouring, dark vertical bars and yellow-orange colouring on the underside; colours can vary.
  • Females are generally less brightly coloured than males, and the young are brooded in an adult's mouth.
  • Look for a deep-bodied fish with a relatively large head and mouth; confirm identification with an experienced fish identifier, especially where other cichlids occur.
  • Look-alike: Other introduced cichlids may have a similar deep-bodied shape and overlapping colours; do not rely on colour alone for identification.

Where it lives

In Australia it is recorded from the Ross River in northern Queensland and Hinze Dam in southeastern Queensland; its reported habitat includes slow streams, river mouths and shallow lake margins near river confluences.

Why it matters

  • No ecological impacts have been reported in Australia, and its effects at the known sites remain unconfirmed.
  • Its diet is not reported, and its oxygen tolerance is undetermined, leaving important aspects of its ecology unclear.
  • It lays eggs on rocky substrates and the young are mouthbrooded; any effects on native fish or habitat have not been established.

How it spreads

  • The report describes natural dispersal as unknown and identifies aquarium keeping and release as the usual human-spread concern.
  • Its importance to the Australian ornamental fish industry and the associated spread risk were assessed as relatively low.
  • Never release or transfer live fish, and do not use them as bait.

Control methods

  • Photograph suspected fish and record the location, date and habitat; seek confirmation from a qualified fish identifier or the relevant state fisheries or biosecurity agency.
  • Use only capture and removal methods approved by the relevant agency and carried out by authorised personnel; targeted netting or electrofishing may be considered where permitted and suitable.
  • Arrange prompt, humane handling and secure disposal of captured fish in accordance with agency instructions; never return them to the water or move them to another site.
  • Repeat surveys after removal and report further sightings or captures to the relevant state agency.

Site hygiene and welfare

  • Do not move live fish, water, plants or wet sediment between waterways; drain water from boats and equipment at the site and clean and dry nets, boots and other gear before using them elsewhere.
  • Use methods set out in the national model codes of practice and standard operating procedures for the species.
  • Coordinate control with neighbours and the local government biosecurity plan, as isolated effort is quickly undone by reinvasion.

Classification by state

  • Australia (national): No national listing. Managed under state and territory law.
  • Queensland: Not prohibited or restricted. Not listed as prohibited or restricted matter in Queensland. Everyone must also take all reasonable and practical steps to minimise its risks (the general biosecurity obligation).
  • New South Wales: General biosecurity duty. Not prohibited matter in NSW. The general biosecurity duty applies: anyone dealing with it must prevent, eliminate or minimise the risk it poses.
  • Victoria: Not declared. Not declared under the Catchment and Land Protection Act 1994. Other Victorian laws may still apply.
  • South Australia: Not declared. Not declared under the Landscape South Australia Act 2019. Other laws may still apply.
  • Western Australia: Not listed. Not found in the Western Australian Organism List. Check with DPIRD before moving or keeping it.
  • Tasmania: Not a declared pest. Not a declared pest or prohibited matter in Tasmania. Importing animals is still controlled by Biosecurity Tasmania.
  • Northern Territory: Not a declared pest. Not on an NT declared or prohibited list. Check with the NT Government before keeping, moving or releasing it.
  • Australian Capital Territory: Not declared. Not declared under the Biosecurity Act 2023 (ACT). A general biosecurity duty still applies.

Legal obligations

Every state and territory places a duty on landholders and people working on land to prevent the spread of invasive species, such as the general biosecurity obligation in Queensland and the general biosecurity duty in New South Wales. Declarations and control requirements differ between states and local government areas, so check the current official list before work starts.

Sources