News

Extinct no more: zombie fish find new home at Dunyak Moira

By Bree Lambert

Dec 9, 2025

Merrigum Primary School students helped authorities and partners release southern purple-spotted gudgeon into Dunyak Moira.

The native southern purple-spotted gudgeon, a species declared extinct in Victoria 27 years ago, has been introduced to Merrigum’s Dunyak Moira Fishing Ponds.

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Goulburn Valley Water and Burnanga Indigenous Fishing Club partnered with the Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority, North Central Catchment Management Authority, RiverConnect, Victorian Fisheries Authority and SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium to release 370 fish into the ponds.

“Dunyak Moira is more than a fishing spot — it’s a place where conservation, recreation and community come together,” Goulburn Valley Water managing director Steve Capewell said.

The species, nicknamed ‘zombie fish’ after their return, were bred at Sea Life Melbourne Aquarium over the past six years.

Zombie fish (southern purple-spotted gudgeon). Photo by Supplied

The endangered species Flathead galaxias is also set to be introduced to the ponds in the coming months.

“The release of endangered species shows what can be achieved through collaboration and highlights the importance of protecting biodiversity for future generations,” Dr Capewell said.

The release is part of an effort to help repopulate Victorian waterways.