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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

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.

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.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Zuidelijke dwergbaars sourced
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
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred

For anglers

Fishing method
Klein van stuk en nauwelijks een hengelsportdoel; wordt vooral incidenteel of als aasvis gevangen. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless 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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