Location of Fish Sculptures from the 2006 Commonwealth Games
During the 2006 Commonwealth Games in Melbourne one of the highlights was a series of 36 barges along the Yarra River which held large beautiful and intricate sculptures of fish and other sea creatures. There were 72 fish representing a nation which participated in the Games.
Not all of the sculptures are of fish; there are also dolphins, whales, prawns and a turtle. Each fish or sea creature is either indigenous to the country they represent or are important to the local economy of that country. There were two Australian Short-Finned Eels representing Australia.
There was a spectacular sound and light show that took place every night of the Games where the fish glowed with coloured lights and had water sprays coordinated to music.
The light and sound display was developed by Melbourne company Megafun and the fish were built by Melbourne design company Motherworks.
After the Commonwealth Games, 60 of the 72 fish sculptures were offered to local councils across Victoria. A sculpture of the Australian short finned eel went to the City of Melbourne, the Barracouta sculpture was given to the Couta Boat Club since they rowed their boats in the opening ceremony of the Games, two went to the Museum of Victoria and the remainder were kept for future events.
The following is a list of all the nations and their representative fish, and the text that accompanied each one on the riverside plaques in the following format.
Country
Sea Creature - common name (Sea Creature - Latin name)
Current location (if known)
Description
Anguilla
Bottlenose Dolphin (Tursiops truncates)
Location: Newcomb Secondary College on Bellerine Highway, Newcomb (to be confirmed)
The Anguilla flag depicts three orange dolphins in an interlocking circular design. The dolphins symbolise endurance, unity and strength, and are in a circle to represent continuity.
Antigua & Barbuda
Barracuda (Sphyraena barracuda)
Location: Sorrento Sailing Couta Boat Club at 3154 Point Nepean Road, Sorrento.
With its sleek, torpedo-like body, dagger-like teeth, and ferocious appetite, the barracuda is built to hunt in the well preserved coral reefs of Antigua and Barbuda.
Australia
Short-finned Eel (Anguilla australis)
Location: Kensington Community Recreation Centre at the corner of Kensington Road and Altona Street, Kensington in Melbourne (two sculptures of the short-finned eel).
In the lower Yarra region, short-finned eels move downstream in March to the sea to commence their spawning migration.
Bahamas
Bonefish (Albula vulpes)
Location: Melbourne Museum at 11 Nicholson Street, Carlton
Bonefish are among the most challenging game fish and the Bahamas are said to be home to some of the best bonefishing on earth.
Bangladesh
Hilsa Shad (Tenualosa ilisha)
Location: UNKNOWN. Was placed with the Maribyrnong council.
Hilsa Shad is caught mainly for food in Bangladesh and is sacred according to Hindu mythology. Hilsa Shad contribute to 30% of total fish production in Bangladesh.
Barbados
Flyingfish (Hirundichthys affinis)
Location: UNKNOWN
Flyingfish are plentiful in the waters around Barbados. These small silvery fish, which look like they have wings when they leap out of the water, can glide through the air for up to 23m.
Belize
Nassau grouper (Epinephelus striatus)
Location: UNKNOWN
The Nassau grouper, a large predatory fish inhabiting coral reefs, was once the second most commonly caught fish in Belize.
Bermuda
Wahoo (Acanthocybium solandri)
Location: UNKNOWN
Bermuda is in the path of migrating schools of Wahoo. Wahoo is the largest of all mackerels and is found worldwide in tropical and subtropical coastal waters.
Botswana
Tiger Fish (Hydrocynus vittatus)
Location: Hamilton Indoor Leisure and Aquatic Centre at 83 Shakespeare Street, Hamilton.
The Tiger Fish's scientific name translates to "striped water dog" and with their fierce rows of sharp conical canine teeth they certainly resemble their namesake.
British Virgin Islands
Queen Trigger (Balistes vetula)
Location: UNKNOWN
With its distinctive markings the Queen Trigger fish is unmistakable. These shy fish are commonly found in the clear blue waters off the British Virgin Islands.
Brunei
Koran Angelfish (Pomacanthus semicirculatus)
Location: Pyramid Hill Swimming Pool at Victoria Street, Pyramid Hill.
The Koran Angelfish is found on Brunei's coastline in the South China Sea. The blue and black markings on its tail resemble handwritten Arabic script.
Cameroon
Pink shrimp (Penaeus notialis)
Location: UNKNOWN Was placed with the Whittlesea council.
The Portuguese sailed into Cameroon shouting 'Camaroes, camaroes!' in amazement at the many giant shrimp - hence the country's name. More than 75 percent of Cameroon's fish species live nowhere else in the world.
Canada
Arctic Cod (Boreogadus saida)
Location: UNKNOWN
While not harvested commercially by Canadian fishermen, this fish plays a key role in the diet of many Arctic marine mammals, seabirds and fish.
Cayman Islands
Southern Stingray (Dasyatis Americana)
Location: Point Lonsdale Primary school, 22 Bowen Road, Point Lonsdale.
One of the unique attractions of Grand Cayman is the stingrays within the island's North Sound. Southern stingrays cluster around divers in hopes of being fed morsels of squid.
Cook Islands
Whitecheek Surgeonfish (Acanthurus nigricans)
Location: UNKNOWN. Was placed with the Kingston council but not accepted.
Surgeonfish are one of the most common fish found in the Cook Islands. Whitecheek Surgeonfish get their name from the knife-like spine on either side of the base of their tail.
Cyprus
Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)
Location: Mountain Fresh Trout & Salmon Farm at 10 Stony Creek Road, Harrietville.
Cyprus is the most easterly of the Mediterranean islands. There are more than 20 reservoirs on the island with good stocks of freshwater fish, many of which are Rainbow Trout.
Dominica
Sperm Whale (Physeter catodon)
Location: 7 Siddeley Street, Docklands
Dominica has a unique underwater terrain. Adjacent to the coast, the seafloor drops off hundreds of metres, providing nutrients for whales.
England
Roach (Rutilus rutilus)
Location: Casey Recreation & Aquatic Centre (RACE) at 65 Berwick-Cranbourne Road, Cranbourne.
The Roach is probably the most popular fish among freshwater anglers and is found in most kinds of water in England. They have red/orange eyes and red lower fins, and are often referred to as 'Redfin'.
Falkland Islands
Killer Whale (Orcinus orca)
Location: World Trade Centre, 18-38 Siddeley Street, Melbourne.
The Falkland Islands boast large colonies of Killer Whales. Pods of Killer Whales circle the island in pursuit of the elephant seals and sea lions that breed there.
Fiji
Clown Triggerfish (Balistoides conspicillum)
Location: Anglesea Art House, 23 Cameron Road, Anglesea.
One of the most spectacular looking marine species, the Clown Triggerfish, can be found in and around the coastal reefs of Fiji.
The Gambia
African Bonytongue (Heterotis niloticus)
Location: UNKNOWN. Was placed with the Greater Shepparton council but was purchased by a private buyer for the town of Busselton in WA.
The African Bonytongue, is important to fisheries and aquaculture in West Africa. It is one of the abundant species of The Gambia, a small country stretching along the banks of the River Gambia.
Ghana
Sardines (Sardinella aurita)
Location: UNKNOWN Was placed with the Wellington council.
Sardines are the staple fish in West Africa and travel in schools that may contain hundreds-of-thousands or even millions of individuals.
Gibraltar
Pink Dentex (Dentax Gibbosus)
Location: UNKNOWN
Pink Dentex is common in the waters of Gibraltar and valued as an eating fish. Dentex are a predatory species and are a prized catch for anglers.
Grenada
Jack Crevalle (Caranx hippos)
Location: Hisense Arena, Olympic Boulevard, Melbourne
Found in the inshore waters of Grenada, Jack Crevalle usually run in schools where they corner baitfish at the water's surface and feed with such commotion they can be seen from great distances.
Guernsey
Conger Eel (Conger conger)
Location: Wharf Lane, Docklands.
Fishing has always been a primary occupation on the island of Guernsey with salted and dried Conger Eels being exported to England. Traditionally Conger Eel oil was used to light their crasset lamps.
Guyana
Arapaima (Arapaima gigas)
Location: UNKNOWN
A giant of the Amazon Basin, the Arapaima is one of the largest freshwater fishes. They are carnivorous predators and have been known to leap out of the water to grab birds from the overhead branches of trees.
India
Meyer's Butterfly Fish (Chaetodon meyeri)
Location: Monash Aquatic & Recreation Centre at 626 Waverley Road, Glen Waverley.
Lakshadweep is known to have a large variety of Butterfly Fish. Butterfly fish are small colourful fish marked by dark lines through the eyes and near the tail.
Isle of Man
Basking shark (Cetorhinus maximus)
Location: Seymour Technical High School, 27 Loco Street, Seymour.
Each spring and summer the waters surrounding the Isle of Man are a hot spot for basking shark activity, which come to feed on the rich plankton and to find a mate.
Jamaica
Yellow Tail Snapper (Ocyurus chrysurus)
Location: Wodonga Sports And Leisure Centre at Hedgerow Court, Wodonga.
Dense schools of Yellowtail Snapper are found in the Caribbean Sea, off Jamaica. The yellowtail snapper has a broad yellow stripe from the nose to the wholly yellow tail.
Jersey
Sea Bass (Dicentrarchus labrax)
Location: Located on the Esplanade at the footbridge in Lakes Entrance.
Tidal ranges in Jersey are some of the highest in the world, with levels rising and falling up to forty feet on spring tides, uncovering myriad reefs, gullies, and sand banks that are the feeding haunts of the silvery flanks of Sea Bass.
Kenya
Broadbill swordfish (Xiphias gladius)
Location: Charlton Travellers Rest Stop, Cnr Davies Street and John Curtain Drive, Charlton.
Kenya's Broadbill fishing is rated as some of the finest in the world. Broadbill Swordfish are a large predatory fish with a long, sword-like bill at the tip of its snout.
Kiribati
Yellowfin Tuna (Thunnus albacares)
Location: UNKNOWN. Was placed with the Mansfield council.
Kiribati is an archipelagic nation comprising 33 islands, with some of the most productive tuna fishing grounds in the Pacific.
Lesotho
Small Mouth Yellowfish (Labeobarbus aeneus)
Location: UNKNOWN
Lesotho is a densely populated, mountainous country entirely surrounded by South Africa. The Small Mouth Yellowfish is one of only nine indigenous species.
Malawi
Regal Fish (Protomelas taeniolatus)
Location: UNKNOWN
The Rift Valley Lakes of Malawi are world-renowned for the diversity of fish species that have evolved in their waters. About 800 species of cichlids, including the Regal Fish, live in the lakes.
Malaysia
Golden Arowana (Scleropages formosus)
Location: UNKNOWN. Was placed with the Cardinia council
The Asian Arowana, also known as Ikan Kelisa in Malay and Dragon Fish in Chinese, occurs naturally only in a few localities in the world and is considered rare.
Maldives
Whale Shark (Rhincodon typus)
Location: Fishermen's Co-operative, Apollo Bay
The coral reefs of the Maldives provide shelter for the Whale Shark. The largest fish in the world, the whale shark ranges from 4 to 12m in length.
Malta
Dolphinfish (Coryphaena hippurus)
Location: Next to the South Gippsland Highway as it crosses the bridge at Tooradin.
The dolphinfish or Lampuka in Maltese is one of the most beautiful fish in the sea with brilliant iridescent colouring. The colours change rapidly when the fish is under stress, flashing from green to blue to yellow.
Mauritius
Smalltooth Sawfish (Pristis pectinate)
Location: UNKNOWN
The waters of Mauritius are inhabited by the endangered Smalltooth Sawfish. The most eye-catching feature of the sawfish is their saw-like snout.
Montserrat
Blue Tang (Acanthurus coeruleus)
Location: UNKNOWN
Blue Tangs are abundant in the Caribbean and are frequently seen darting around the coral reefs of Montserrat.
Mozambique
Black Tiger Prawn (Penaeus monodon)
Location: UNKNOWN Was shipped to Apollo Bay in the same truck as the Whale Shark.
People of Mozambique depends on fish products for half their protein intake. Prawns from the waters off Mozambique are famous for their large size and delicious flavour.
Namibia
Horse Mackerel (Trachurus capensis)
Location: UNKNOWN
Horse Mackerel is the most common species in Namibian waters. Most of the catch is for export as the Namibian domestic market is very small due to a traditionally meat-based diet.
Nauru
Milkfish (Chanos chanos)
Location: UNKNOWN
Historically baby Milkfish were taken from the sea and transferred to ponds. The ponds were partitioned into smaller, family-owned ponds and were part of a family's inheritance.
New Zealand
John Dory (Zeus faber)
Location: Wharf Lane, Docklands.
Common in northern waters of New Zealand, these thin, deep-bodied predatory fish are weak swimmers.
Nigeria
Nile Perch (Lates niloticus)
Location: Garden Park, Cnr Murray Valley Highway and Cohuna Island Road, Cohuna
During the Arugunga Fishing Festival hundreds of local men and boys enter the water, armed with large fishnet scoops to drive the Nile Perch to shallow waters.
Niue
Spinner Dolphins (Stenella longirostris)
Location: At the Esplanade outside the Progress Jetty at Paynesville, East Gippsland.
Spinner Dolphins spend the whole year in the waters of Niue. They derive their name from a habit of leaping from the water and spinning lengthwise before splashing back to the sea.
Norfolk Island
Hammerhead Shark (Sphyrna mokarran)
Location: Wharf Lane, Docklands.
Hammerhead Sharks are easily identified in the waters of Norfolk Island by their broad heads, which look very much like mallets.
Northern Ireland
Northern Pike (Esox Lucius)
Location: UNKNOWN. Was placed with the Central Goldfields council.
With a body like molten metal and an outsized hunter's head, Pike is one of the most widespread of Irish fish and Pike fishing is as old as Irish angling.
Pakistan
Bat Ray (Myliobatis californica)
Location: Wharf Lane, Docklands.
In the Baluchi fishing villages traditional fishing methods are still practiced. Sting-ray and shark livers are boiled down to make oil that is spread over the hulls of boats for protection.
Papua New Guinea
Papuan Black Bass (Lutjanus goldiei)
Location: Melbourne Museum at 11 Nicholson Street, Carlton.
Healthy populations of the mighty Papuan Black Bass lurk in the dense jungle rivers of Papua New Guinea. The Papuan Black Bass is found nowhere else in the world.
Samoa
Zebra Moray (Gymnomuraena zebra)
Location: UNKNOWN.
Easily recognised and named for its zebra-like stripes, the Zebra moray eel, also know as To'etapu, spend their days hiding in tropical reefs and rock formations.
Scotland
Brown Trout (Salmo trutta)
Location: Was placed with the Greater Bendigo council and is in storage.
Many of Scotland's rivers and lochs are stocked with brown trout from Loch Leven (Perthshire). Fishing for brownies has long been regarded as a popular sport.
Seychelles
Seychelles Blenny (Stanulus seychellensis)
Location: Canning Reserve at Old Canning Street, Avondale Heights.
The Seychelles Blenny was featured on the Seychelles 10c stamp in 2003.
Sierra Leone
African Butterfly (Cichlid Anomalochromis thomasi)
Location: UNKNOWN Was placed with the Whitehorse council.
The African Butterfly is native to the rivers of Sierra Leone. They have a vertical band which becomes more apparent as the fish's mood changes.
Singapore
Guppy (Poecillia reticulate)
Location: World Trade Centre, 18-38 Siddeley Street, Melbourne.
The Guppy is one of the most popular freshwater aquarium fish species in the world. Their most famous characteristic is their propensity for breeding.
Solomon Islands
Whitetip Reef Shark (Triaenodon obesus)
Location: UNKNOWN. Was placed with the East Gippsland council.
Solomon Islanders, believing that ancestors often lived on as sharks, treat these animals with reverence.
Republic of South Africa
Galjoen (Dichistius capensis)
Location: Anglesea Art House, 23 Cameron Road, Anglesea
The Galjoen, found only along the South African coast, is the national marine emblem of the Republic of South Africa.
Sri Lanka
Two Spot Barb (Puntius ticto)
Location: In storage The fish was outside the old Ringwood Aquatic Centre before it was demolished. In the process of demolishing the old Swimming Pool, the fish was badly damaged and subsequently scrapped.
Sri Lanka is home to 90 species of freshwater fish. Most of these fish are small and highly specialized to their habitat, such as the two-spot barb.
St Helena
Albacore Tuna (Thunnus alalunga)
Location: UNKNOWN
Fishing and agriculture are the main economic activities of St Helena. The seasonal influx of Yellowfin, Bigeye, Albacore and Skipjack Tuna is vital to the economy of the Island.
St Kitts & Nevis
French Angelfish (Pomacanthus paru)
Location: UNKNOWN. Was placed with the South Gippsland council.
French Angelfish are common in St Kitts & Nevis and throughout the Caribbean. Its scales have bright yellow edges, making a vibrant pattern against its dark blue body.
St Lucia
Leatherback Turtle (Dermochelys coriacea)
Location: Casey Aquatic and Recreation Centre (ARC) at Corner Overland Drive and Princes Highway, Narre Warren.
The abundance of these majestic reptiles in St Lucia is due to the permanent suspension of turtle hunting.
St Vincent & The Grenadines
Bigeye Scad (Selar crumenopthalmus)
Location: Playground at 95 Elizabeth Street, Edenhope.
The national dish of St Vincent & the Grenadines is fried jackfish and breadfruit. Bigeye Scad and Jack Crevalle are referred to as jackfish in the Caribbean.
Swaziland
Orange River Mudfish (Labeo capensis)
Location: Hisense Arena, Olympic Boulevard, Melbourne
The Orange River Mudfish, commonly called the Vaal muddy, is found in the Orange-Vaal system and is a highly popular target for boat anglers.
United Republic of Tanzania
Vundu (Heterobranchus longifilis)
Location: Bass Coast Specialist School, 6 McKenzie Street, Wonthaggi.
The Vundu fish is an important element in the local diet as well as an important source of income to the local communities of the United republic of Tanzania.
Tonga
Tricolour Parrotfish (Scarus tricolor)
Location: UNKNOWN
Tonga protects the local Parrot fish. Parrot fish are often brightly coloured and their fused teeth form a 'beak' used to scrape algae from coral.
Trinidad & Tobago
Cascadura (Hoplosternum littorale)
Location: UNKNOWN
The Cascadura is a very popular fish in Trinidad and Tobago, and holds a sacred place in the country's folklore.
Turks & Caicos
Blue Marlin (Makaira nigricans)
Location: Harold Holt Swim Centre, Corner High Street and Edgar Street, Glen Iris.
The virgin fishing grounds of Turks & Caicos are often referred to as the Blue Marlin capital of the Caribbean.
Tuvalu
Longnose Butterflyfish (Forcipiger flavissimus)
Location: Maribyrnong Aquatic Centre at 1 Aquatic Drive, Maribyrnong.
Tuvalu enjoys a spectacular marine environment with a vast array of colourful tropical fish. Butterflyfish are named for their brightly coloured and strikingly patterned bodies.
Uganda
Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus eduardianus)
Location: UNKNOWN
One of the most common fish in Uganda is the Tilapia. Farmed throughout the world, wild Tilapia are an important food in Africa.
Vanuatu
Clown Anemonefish (Amphiprion percula)
Location: Winchelsea Pool, 12 Barwon Terrace, Winchelsea.
Far too small to be hunted by man for food, clownfish have lived undisturbed in the coral reefs surrounding Vanuatu for thousands of years.
Wales
Common Carp (Cyprinus carpio)
Location: UNKNOWN. Was placed with the East Gippsland council.
Carp is one of the most adaptable fish. It was introduced to Wales started as early as the 1300's. Today, Carp thrive in most rivers and lakes in the country.
Zambia
Newbwe (Serranochromis robustus)
Location: UNKNOWN
The Bundu people of Zambia believe the Zambezi River has a spirit called Nyami Nyami. This spirit brings them fish to eat, one of the most treasured being the Newbwe.
Acknowledgement: Many thanks to Hugh McCallum for providing the original photos of the fish on the barges at the Commonwealth Games. Also to Meg, Susan and Jeff (@CommGamesFisho on Twitter) for their help finding fish.
We are trying to find the current location of the fish. If you have any information it would be great if you would let us know
Clues: Responses from councils received to date:
Banyule
Bayside
Boroondara - Not located in this council area.
Brimbank - Not located in this council area.
Cardinia
Casey - Tooradin, Casey ARC and Casey RACE
Darebin
Frankston - The Zebra Moray Eel was the preference of the council but they decided not to take up the offer.
Glen Eira
Greater Dandenong - Not located in this council area.
Hobsons Bay
Hume
Kingston - Two of the giant fish were offered, however they were never accepted due to their condition.
Knox - Not located in this council area.
Manningham - Not located in this council area.
Maribyrnong - Longnose Butterflyfish located at Maribyrnong Aquatic Centre.
Maroondah
Melbourne
Melton
Monash - Meyer's Butterfly Fish at Monash Aquatic & Recreation Centre, Glen Waverley
Moonee Valley - Canning Reserve
Moreland
Mornington Peninsula - Barracuda is in the main dining room at the Sorrento Sailing Couta Boat Club. No other fish are located in this council area.
Nillumbik - Not located in this council area.
Port Phillip
Stonnington
Whitehorse
Whittlesea
Wyndham
Yarra - Not located in this council area.
Yarra Ranges - Not located in this council area.
Alpine Shire Council
Ararat Rural City Council
Ballarat City Council - Not located in this council area.
Bass Coast Shire Council - Vundu at Bass Coast Specialist School, Wonthaggi
Baw Baw Shire Council
Buloke Shire Council - Nassau Grouper (Belize) on Richardson River, Donald
Campaspe Shire Council
Central Goldfields Shire Council
Colac Otway Shire Council - Fishermen's Co-operative, Apollo Bay
Corangamite Shire Council - Not located in this council area.
East Gippsland Shire Council - has two of the sculptures with the Sea Bass Fish being located on the Esplanade at the footbridge in Lakes Entrance and the Spinner Dolphin being on the Esplanade outside the Progress Jetty at Paynesville.
Gannawarra Shire Council - Nile Perch on Murray Valley Highway, Cohuna
Glenelg Shire Council - Not located in this council area.
Golden Plains Shire Council
Greater Bendigo City Council - Brown Trout in storage.
Greater Geelong City Council - Newcomb Secondary College
Greater Shepparton City Council
Hepburn Shire Council
Hindmarsh Shire Council - Not located in this council area.
Horsham Rural City Council
Indigo Shire Council
Latrobe City Council
Loddon Shire Council - Brunei fish located at the Pyramid Hill swimming Pool.
Macedon Ranges Shire Council
Mansfield Shire Council
Mildura Rural City Council - Not located in this council area.
Mitchell Shire Council
Moira Shire Council
Moorabool Shire Council
Mount Alexander Shire Council - Not located in this council area.
Moyne Shire Council - Not located in this council area.
Murrindindi Shire Council
Northern Grampians Shire Council
Pyrenees Shire Council
Borough of Queenscliffe
South Gippsland Shire Council
Southern Grampians Shire Council
Strathbogie Shire Council - Not located in this council area.
Surf Coast Shire Council
Swan Hill Rural City Council
Towong Shire Council
Wangaratta Rural City Council - Not located in this council area.
Warrnambool City Council
Wellington Shire Council - Not located in this council area.
West Wimmera Shire Council - There is a fish (Bigeye Scad) at a playground in Edenhope
Wodonga City Council - Yellow Tail Snapper is located at Wodonga Sports and Leisure Centre.
Yarriambiack Shire Council
There is a fish lying in a junkyard in Morwell. See the news article about it.
