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Southern pygmy perch (Nannoperca australis) — Percichthyidae

Southern pygmy perch

Nannoperca australis

The Southern pygmy perch (Nannoperca australis) is a freshwater fish of the family Percichthyidae that grows up to 9 cm.

Length
8.5 cm
Water
Freshwater
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Oceania: Australia

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Description

The southern pygmy perch is a small freshwater perch (Percichthyidae) from southeastern Australia. The species grows to about 8 cm and has a stocky, olive-brown body with dark blotches; courting males turn reddish. As a bottom-oriented fish it lives among water plants of slow-flowing streams, swamps and pools and eats small invertebrates, larvae and zooplankton. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Southern pygmy perch?

The Southern pygmy perch has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern.

Where does the Southern pygmy perch live?

The Southern pygmy perch lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Oceania: Australia

How big does the Southern pygmy perch get?

The Southern pygmy perch grows to a maximum of about 9 cm. On average the species is around 6 cm.

Is the Southern pygmy perch dangerous to humans?

No, the Southern pygmy perch is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.

More photos

Southern pygmy perch (Nannoperca australis) — Percichthyidae — 2
Joycelyn Goh (CC BY 4.0) via GBIF — AM
Southern pygmy perch (Nannoperca australis) — Percichthyidae — 3
iNaturalist ((c) Tricia Stewart, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Southern pygmy perch (Nannoperca australis) — Percichthyidae — 4
Wikimedia Commons — David Paul / Museums Victoria (CC BY 3.0)
Southern pygmy perch (Nannoperca australis) — Percichthyidae — 5
iNaturalist ((c) Jess Kelley, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Fin

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All data

Identification

English name
Southern pygmy perch sourced
Scientific name
Nannoperca australis
Family
Percichthyidae
Other names
Tasmanian pigmy perch verified

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
8.5 verified
Average length (cm)
6.0 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Brown sourced
Pattern
Spots sourced
Tail shape
Rounded inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Mixed bottom sourced
Natural range
Oceania: Australia sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred

For anglers

Fishing method
Small in size and barely an angling target; mostly caught incidentally or as baitfish. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified
First aid
This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status. verified

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Nannoperca

More from the family Percichthyidae

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