The Gulf Streams commence on the western side of the Mount Lofty Ranges, running in an approximately east-west direction. Some of the more significant watercourses in this region are: The Light River, The Gawler River (includes North and South Para Rivers), The Little Para River, Dry Creek, The River Torrens (includes the six suburban creeks), Sturt River/ Brownhill Creek, The Field River, Christie Creek, The Onkaparinga River and Pedlar Creek.

In Australia, approximately 195 species and subspecies of native freshwater fish have been described, with another 22 undescribed but recognised (Wager and Jackson 1993). About 127 of these are considered endemic (Crowl et al, 1992). While 58 are found in South Australia (Watts 1990). The Mt Lofty Ranges has 25 native freshwater fish species (Carter & Pierce). None of the species present in the Gulf region are considered threatened at the national scale. While it is likely that some of the species listed are conservation significant at the state and regional level, no formal document currently exists which addresses the conservation status of our native fish at these levels.

The total number of native freshwater fishes in the Gulf region is 11, this figure also includes 2 lamprey species. Freshwater fishes of the Gulf region can be divided into three categories; natives, translocated natives, and introduced species.

The above text and all the text in the following pages describing the freshwater fish have been compiled by Turner M.S.(2001) Conserving Adelaide's Biodiversity: Resources. Urban Forest Biodiversity Program. Adelaide, SA.