Yarra Pigmy Perch

Scientific Name

Nannoperca obscura

Previously:
  Edelia obscura
  Paradules obscurus
  Microperca yarrae

Other Common Names

None

Size

Up to 65 mm, largest recorded 75 mm

Conservation Status

Vulnerable.  Under pressure from habitat alteration.  Listed under Victorian Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act.

Habitat

Usually found in small groups in well vegetated streams or small lakes, sometimes mixed with Nannoperca australis but seems to prefer slightly faster water.

Distribution

Relatively uncommon, found in both brackish and freshwater in all coastal streams west of the eastern border of Port Phillip Bay, including the Yarra River, to Bool Lagoon in South Australia.

History

Very similar to other pigmy perches, best distinguished by small mouth and inconspicuous pale vertical bar at the base of the caudal (tail) fin.

Reproduction

Spawning has been recorded in ponds in September and October at water temperatures between 16 and 24°C.

Diet

Presumably similar to Nannoperca australis.  Aquarium kept specimens adapt readily to mosquito larvae and other invertebrates, with a preference for insect larvae.  This species has potential for use for mosquito control.

Angling

Not an angling fish

On the table

Not a food fish.

In the aquarium

Has great potential as an aquarium fish, however should not be collected from the wild due to its conservation status and is therfore not readily available to the aquarist.