Oxleyan pygmy perch (Nannoperca oxleyana)

Scientific name: Nannoperca oxleyana Whitley, 1940

The Oxleyan pygmy perch (Nannoperca oxleyana) is a freshwater fish of the family Percichthyidae. In the aquarium it needs water at 16–30°C (61–86°F).

Oxleyan pygmy perch care at a glance

Temperature
16–30°C (61–86°F)

Biology

Inhabits ponds, dune lakes and creeks, usually among aquatic weeds. Lives in swamps with prolific sedge growth, gently flowing streams and dune lakes in areas of coastal heathland (wallum). Water is often darkly tannin-stained and acidic (pH 5.4-6.5) with temperature range from 12? to 28?C. Feeds primarily on aquatic insects and their larvae. Also consumes microcrustaceans and algae. Breeding season extends from October to May, when water temperatures rise above 20?C. The breeding habits and biology are similar to other nannopercids, but this species takes only 4-5 months to attain sexual maturity. Aquarium conditions: pH=7.2, H=8, 26?C water temperature, egg layer, plant and rock cover, peaceful community fish.

Source: FishBase, licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

Species facts

Scientific name
Nannoperca oxleyana
Family
Percichthyidae (Temperate perches)
Order
Perciformes (Perch-like fish)
Class
Actinopterygii (Ray-finned fishes)
Maximum length
7.5
Common length
4.0
Environment
Freshwater;; pH range: 6.0 - 6.5; dH range: 5 - 10 benthopelagic
Climate
Temperate
Distribution
Oceania: endemic in the coastal drainages of northeast and southeast Australia, from Noosa River to Richmond River. Also in dune lakes between the Maroochy and Noosa River systems, Queensland to New South Wales, Australia.
Conservation status (IUCN)
Endangered (EN) (A1ce+2c)
Threat to humans
Harmless
Uses
Fisheries: of no interest; aquarium: commercial
Resilience
Medium, minimum population doubling time 1.4 - 4.4 years (Fec=225-270)

Sources

Taxonomy, distribution and biology data: FishBase (Froese, R. and D. Pauly, eds.), licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

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