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Variegated pygmy perch (Nannoperca variegata) — Percichthyidae

Variegated pygmy perch

Nannoperca variegata

The Variegated pygmy perch (Nannoperca variegata) is a freshwater fish of the family Percichthyidae that grows up to 7 cm.

Length
6.5 cm
Water
Freshwater
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Open water
Danger
Harmless
Range
Oceania: Australia

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Description

The variegated pygmy perch is a pygmy perch (Percichthyidae) from clear, slow-flowing streams and swamps of southeastern Australia. The species grows to about 5 cm and has a stocky, yellow-brown mottled body; spawning males colour up brightly. As a bottom-oriented fish it shelters among water plants and bank vegetation and snaps at small crustaceans, insect larvae and worms. Through habitat loss the species is endangered. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Variegated pygmy perch?

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

Where does the Variegated pygmy perch live?

The Variegated pygmy perch lives in fresh water and is mostly found around open water. Oceania: Australia

How big does the Variegated pygmy perch get?

The Variegated pygmy perch grows to a maximum of about 7 cm.

Is the Variegated pygmy perch dangerous to humans?

No, the Variegated 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.

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All data

Identification

English name
Variegated pygmy perch sourced
Scientific name
Nannoperca variegata
Family
Percichthyidae
Other names
Ewens pygmy perch; Ewen's pygmy perch; Golden pygmy perch; Variagated Pygmy Perch; Variegated pygmy perch; Ewen pygmy perch verified

Appearance

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

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Open water 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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