Scientific Name
Nannoperca oxleyana

Common Name
Oxleyan pygmy perch

Biology
Inhabits ponds, dune lakes and creeks, usually among aquatic weeds (Ref. 6398). 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 (Ref. 44894). Feeds primarily on aquatic insects and their larvae (Ref. 5259). 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 (Ref. 44894). Aquarium conditions: pH=7.2, H=8, 26?C water temperature, egg layer, plant and rock cover, peaceful community fish (Ref. 6398).

Classification

Classified By

Whitley, 1940

Class

Ray-finned fishes (Actinopterygii)

Order

Perch-like fish (Perciformes)

Family

Temperate perches (Percichthyidae)

Distribution

Region

Oceania

Distribution

Oceania: endemic in the coastal drainages of northeast and southeast Australia, from Noosa River to Richmond River (Ref. 5259). Also in dune lakes between the Maroochy and Noosa River systems (Ref. 2906), Queensland to New South Wales, Australia.

Range

25°S - 29°S

Environment

Climate

Temperate

Water Temperature From

16 °C

Water Temperature To

30 °C

Depth From - meters

Unknown m

Depth To - meters

Unknown m

Zone

benthopelagic

Environment

Freshwater; ; pH range: 6.0 - 6.5; dH range: 5 - 10 benthopelagic

Trophic Level

3.2 s.e. 0.40 Based on food items.

Occurs in Marine / Salt water

False

Occurs in Brackish water

False

Occurs in Fresh Water

True

Occurs on Reefs

False

Is kept in Aquariums

True

Physical Size and Genetics

Maximum Length

7.5 cm

Common Length

4.0 cm

Phylogenetic Diversity Index

PD50 = 0.5625 many relatives (e.g. carps) 0.5 - 2.0 few relatives (e.g. lungfishes)

Human Uses and Population

Human Uses

Fisheries: of no interest; aquarium: commercial

Vulnerability

Low vulnerability (15 of 100)

Resilience

Medium, minimum population doubling time 1.4 - 4.4 years (Fec=225-270)

Threat To Humans

Harmless

IUCN Red List Status

Endangered (EN) (A1ce+2c)