The Edgbaston Goby is restricted to springs in Bush Heritage's Edgbaston Reserve. The springs are part of a large inland drainage basin that runs to Lake Eyre. Mature gobies are known to live on the bottom of the springs, with young fish preferring shallower areas. During the day they shelter under vegetation. The Edgbaston Goby is one of five related goby species. It and the Elizabeth Springs Goby (found 400km to the south west) have been ecologically marooned.

Threats

The introduced and highly invasive fish Eastern Gambusia is the biggest threat to the Edgbaston Goby's survival as they compete for food and habitat and display aggressive behavriour. They have most likely also been affected by habitat degradation caused by cattle and feral pigs that trample plants and degrade the water quality.

Quollity Conservation Hub's Vulnerability Score:

37

To help compare the relative vulnerability of different species, we have developed a scoring system based on biological and ecological characteristics that influence a species' ability to survive and recover from environmental change and natural disasters.

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The framework is adapted from assessment methods used by conservation experts following the Black Summer bushfires to help identify species most in need of conservation action, research, and recovery funding.

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Each species is assessed using a range of factors, including its conservation status, lifespan, reproductive rate, habitat and dietary requirements, ability to disperse or recover after fire, and the number and severity of threats it faces.

In general, the higher a species' score, the greater its overall vulnerability and risk of decline or extinction.

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Like all conservation assessments, this scoring system is limited by the information currently available. Many threatened species remain poorly studied and receive limited research funding, meaning some assessments rely on the best available scientific knowledge or information from closely related species. As new research becomes available, scores may be updated to reflect our improved understanding.