Craterocephalus fluviatilis is a small freshwater fish, native to the floodplains of the southern MurrayDarling Basin. They were once widespread and abundant throughout their range; however the species has suffered a serious decline in abundance and distribution, and are now considered one of the most threatened vertebrate species in Australia. Murray Hardyhead is rare in NSW and only a few isolated populations occur in Victoria and South Australia. All populations are threatened by declining water levels, habitat loss and impacts of pest fish (including Gambusia, Redfin and Carp).

It is listed as a ‘critically endangered’ species in NSW under the Fisheries Management Act 1994. https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/fishing/species-protection/what-current/critically-endangered-species/murray-hardyhead.

This indicative distribution was derived from survey records and expert opinion.