‘Underwater and overlooked’: number of critically endangered fish species in Australia doubles

The East Gippsland galaxias is one of nine species newly added to the list of critically endangered Australian fish. Photograph: Tarmo Raadik

Australia’s list of critically endangered fish has doubled in what conservationists say is a sign of the urgent need to tackle the problem of invasive freshwater species.

Nine new species, all types of galaxias, were given critically endangered status in March, a recognition that they are on the brink of extinction. One species of galaxias was also added to the endangered category.