Josephine Creek, Cairns - Wrinkled Aponogetons, mosses, val and more

[fishmosy]

As promised here are the pics from Josephine Creek. I rate this place as equal to or better than Harvey Creek (well known for its rainbowfish), for those who have been to or seen pictures of Harvey Creek will know it is stunning, so this is a big call.

Upstream

Downstream

Water parameters on the day were:

pH: 6.9

TDS: 12

Temp: didn't measure but felt like 18-22*C and Bob was whinging a fair bit.

I should make up a temp rating based on how much Bob would whinge ;)

Some shots of the substrate

Some tadpoles in the gravel, probably cane toads unfortunately

First interesting find was Aponogeton lancesmithii (although could be Aponogeton bullosus, which is listed as endangered). These were stunning.

As we moved down the creek they looked even better. These are probably my favorite shots from the trip.

Back on the bank (on the side with the most sunlight) and into the water was an interesting fern that grew above and below the water.

Excuse the water on the lens

Further down the creek. Note the Val bed beginning in the middle of the left hand side of the pic.

The Val bed had some Hydrocotyle tripartita mixed in it as well.

Also found the val growing in a log

The Hydrocotyle tripartita was also on a stump

[fishmosy]

Further downstream.

There are three things here I want to show off

Start with the rainbows. Didn't get a good shot of them but there were plenty of them.

The dark dots over the white sand are the rainbows

The next thing was the micro plant. The big patch of green was a plant called Microcarpaea minima (thanks Jeff from LCA.

Different angle. This was at least 4metres square of plant.

It was thick in places too.

We also found it emerse.

Finally the mud banks (well it was more like coffee rock)

[fishmosy]

Moving back upstream but on the shaded side of the creek.

Found more Hydrocotyle tripartita growing emerse and some more Aponogeton lancesmithii.

Upstream of the bridge, again on the shaded side of the creek

Plenty of moss growing emerse

The pick of the mosses that were there.

Finally around the bridge pylons were some fish, from memory sooty grunters.

Here is some small ones 6-8cm but there were larger ones up to 20cm or so.

[mr_c265]

Beauty mate with the Aponogetons! Nice sandy river too. The tripartita looks nice underwater, we have a native hydrocotyl down here, not sure if it's tripartita, will have to get out my plant key to work it out.

[northboy]

They turned out really well, was worth the climb down to the creek.

Makes me want to go down there now but work tomorrow DAM

Bob

PS, the Aponogeton is Lancesmithii, after Lance Smith a famous plant grower for a few years ago and still grows good stuff but only sells around Townsville where he lives I am told?

[Squiggle]

Wicked shots dude & awesome info to go with it, those mosses & plants look stunning, well done! :victorious:

[fishmosy]

They turned out really well' date=' was worth the climb down to the creek.

Makes me want to go down there now but work tomorrow DAM

Bob

PS, the Aponogeton is Lancesmithii, after Lance Smith a famous plant grower for a few years ago and still grows good stuff but only sells around Townsville where he lives I am told?[/quote']

Thanks Bob will update. Have you remembered the name of the mini plant yet?

[northboy]

Its ????

Jeff B. where are you??

Mate I never tire of looking at shots like that and its one creek I have been going to shoot some Video in for ages, when I do I will borrow a high Definition camera as well.

Bob

[mr_c265]

It's not Elatine Gratioloides is it?

[wayne6442]

Stunning shots, well done

[Matt_95]

It's not Elatine Gratioloides is it?

I don't think so, the leaf pairs are not coming out of the stem at the same angle, where as E. gratioloides has the leaves all on the same plane. I don't know if that makes sense, it does in my head.

That is a phenomenal creek, I wish we had something like that down my way, that is absolutely amazing!

[mr_c265]

I don't think so' date=' the leaf pairs are not coming out of the stem at the same angle, where as E. gratioloides has the leaves all on the same plane. I don't know if that makes sense, it does in my head.

That is a phenomenal creek, I wish we had something like that down my way, that is absolutely amazing![/quote']

Yeah, that makes sense, they appear to be coming out in pairs not 4's. It could be another Elatine, however i think they all have the same leaf arrangement. Was also thinking Callitriche sp. but i think they generally have rounder leaves and are not as compact.

[Liverpool Creek]

Microcarpaea minima

We got this stuff growing all over the place- in creeks / drains.

It behaves like Hemianthus micranthemoides.

By the way Bob, I think the crinkled leaves are Apongogeton bullosus, the leaves on the Lancesmithii variety is much smoother.

If you are lucky to see it...the flower heads on the Lancesmithi is much thicker compared to the Bullosus type.

[Garnelchen]

Wow! I don't know what to say! ......lost for words.

MUST GO THERE!

[Liverpool Creek]

Bob,

I think Henrietta Creek may have A.Lancemithii.

The mosses on the bank is a liverwort.. It could be Jungermannia spp. or Plagonium spp.

Great pics guys, I love Josephine falls, very popular swimming spot.

[fishmosy]

Thanks Jeff, will update. Bob always says you know your plants and here is proof.

I've got a key for Aus bryophytes so I'll key out and let everyone know.

[fishunter]

Wow, such a beautiful little river. You could probably spend all day there and still find new and exciting plants and fish!

[northboy]

Hi Jeff thanks for the ID it was there in the grey matter but lost LOL, Doc told me what it was awhile ago and I could not remember.

The Bullosus is a upland species and from what I was told that is where Lance found it. Like the live bearer is not to far from you.

Bob

[Liverpool Creek]

The Bullosus is a upland species

I was told that too Bob, but I have found heaps in Tully ( Banyan Creek) and Upper Darradgee in Innisfail.

I know there are also heaps in the Atherton area.

I saw both Lancemithii and Bullosus at the back of Johnstone River ( just behind the Sugar Mill) :) i.e Number 6 Branch

[northboy]

Hi Jeff, why don't he ring LOL. Because Bob is never near the phone.

Not sure but they are nice. I will ask Doc he has his finger on the pulse

Bob

[aussieyankie17]

Great Photos!