Southern Pygmy Perch (Nannoperca australis)

NATIVE AUSTRALIAN FISH

*FROG FRIENDLY*

Other names: tasmanian pygmy perch, freshwater ray finned perch

Minimum volume requirement: 75L for a small group of around 3 – 5

Size: 65mm

pH: 6.8 – 7.5

Temperature: 14°C – 26°C

Life span: 5 years

Description

A small moderately compressed fish averaging at around 65mm in total length (largest known record is 85mm). Highly variable in colour with a pale cream – green brown base dark along the spine and lightning to near white on the belly. Variable splotches and patterns evident along the sides – breeding males display brighter colours with dorsal and anal fins becoming bright red with black edges. Pygmy perch have a single, deeply notched dorsal fin and slightly rounded

Distribution

Pygmy perch inhabit small slow flowing systems and still, vegetated habitats such as streams, lakes, billabongs, irrigation ditches and wetlands. Found throughout VIC, south eastern SA, northern TAS and southern areas of the Murray Darling basin in NSW.

Breeding

Both males and females reach sexual maturity in their first year of life, males at approx 30mm and females at around 33mm. Spawning occurs during September to January in water over 16°C. Males are territorial during this time. Females will reproduce multiple times throughout their breeding season each time producing anywhere from 100 – 1000 non adhesive eggs which will be scattered over plants and substrate. These eggs will hatch within 4 days releasing larvae 3mm – 4mm long.

Diets carnivorous, consisting mainly of such crustaceans as amphipods, cladocerans, ostracods and copepods, insects such as larval chironomids, mayflies, adult hemipterans and other terrestrial insects. Diet changes with size and age.

Diet

Pygmy perch are carnivorous, in the wild consuming a variety of small crustaceans and aquatic insects. In captivity this can be supplemented with high protein sinking pellets.

Pygmy perch in ponds

Due to their small mouth size pygmy perch are unable to consume frog eggs or tadpoles making them a great choice for frog ponds. These fish are bottom dwellers so are rarely seen, however they will do a great job at increasing the biodiversity of your pond whilst keeping mosquito populations at bay!

Pygmy perch in dams

In dams, they are a good choice for increasing biodiversity and can be used as feeder or forage fish. In order for them to breed, ponds and dams need to have a reasonable amount of vegetation.

Southern Pygmy Perch (Nannoperca australis)