Introduced to freshwaters of the southern half of Australia, approximately from Brisbane, Queensland to Perth, Western Australia (Ref. 7300). Introduced individuals were instrumental in the entry of the goldfish ulcer disease which has recently spread rapidly to wild stocks (Ref. 12257).

Commercial fishery: In the rivers of New South Wales and the Murray River in South Australia, goldfish are taken in drum nets. In Lake Albert and Lake Alexandrina in South Australia fishers use gillnets and electro-fishing gear.

Goldfish are not useful as food and are of little commercial value (Ref. 2906). They are taken as a bycatch of the European carp catch, and probably sold for rock lobster bait.

Resource status: Because goldfish are important in the aquarium trade there are no restrictions on their importation (except into Tasmania) and breeding. It is unfortunate that much of the spread of goldfish in Australia is a result of accidental liberations of pet fish from aquariums.

Also Ref. 4766.