Scientific Name
Kuhlia rupestris
Other Common Names
None
Size
To 450 mm, 3 Kg
Conservation Status
Insufficiently known, presumed threatened
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Updated 16 July 2004
Scientific NameKuhlia rupestris Other Common NamesNone SizeTo 450 mm, 3 Kg Conservation StatusInsufficiently known, presumed threatened |
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HabitatFast flowing streams with overhanging vegetation providing shade. DistributionPatchy distribution east of the Great Dividing Range in Queensland, from Fraser island to Cape York, as well as Palm Island off the Queensland coast. Does not occur in the Gulf of Carpentaria drainage or elsewhere in Australia, but is found in Fiji and south eastern South Africa. Within its original range the jungle perch's distribution has been substantially reduced by agricultural practices. In particular the practice of clearing right to the water's edge has severely impacted this species. The Queensland sugar cain industry has been identified as one of the major culprits here. Whilst details are not currently to hand, it is to be hoped that new restrictions imposed by the Queensland Government will help to alleviate this. ReproductionRecent research has confirmed that jungle perch migrate downstream to estuaries to spawn, in a similar manner to Australian bass. DietOmnivorous, although primarily a carnovore feeding on other fish, jungle perch have been know to eat such diverse foods as crustaceans and figs. AnglingAn outstanding angling species. Jungle perch are eagerly sought after by sports anglers. On the tableNot usually taken for the table. In the aquariumSmaller jungle perch make interesting aquarium subjects, but due to new restricions in Queensland they may hard to obtain. | |
