Flagship species, especially mammals and birds, are commonly used to increase awareness of conservation issues in marine and terrestrial ecosystems.  However, comparable initiatives are scarce in the freshwater context. Furthermore , freshwaters of Australia support few aquatic mammal species. To explore the potential for freshwater species to act as flagship species in Australia, 230 fish species were assessed for their potential to appeal to a broad cross section of society. This was achieved using characteristics that have been identified as useful correlates of flagship species status in terrestrial systems; specifically relating to body size, trophic guild and threatened species status. Then, groups with an interest in Australian native fishes were identified based on expert opinion, given that engaging the public with conservation issues in freshwater systems might be more effective if the link between fish species and people were better understood.