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.