Silver perch

Distribution - Silver perch, also known as bidyan and black or silver bream, prefer river, lake and reservoir habitats and areas of rapid water flow. They were once widespread and abundant throughout most of the Murray–Darling Basin, except for cooler high altitude streams. Most wild populations of silver perch have now either declined to very low numbers or have disappeared altogether, with the exception of the remaining secure, self-sustaining population in the central Murray River. River regulation and water extraction are likely to have had major impacts on silver perch through changes in the size, frequency and duration of floods, the seasonality of flow patterns, reductions in water temperatures and the creation of barriers to migration.

Size - Silver perch can reach a maximum length of about 40 centimetres and can attain a weight of approximately 8 kilograms. They are more commonly found at around 30 centimetres in length and 1.5 kilograms in weight.

Characteristics - Silver perch are a member of the family Terapontidae and are characterised by their relatively small heads and beak-like snouts. The fish is moderate to large in size with an elongate body. The colour of these fish varies with water conditions, but they are usually silvery-grey with a white belly. They sometimes appear olive-greenish or brown overall. They feed on insects, molluscs, worms and algae. They can tolerate a wide temperature range and generally swim near the surface.

Confusing Species - Silver perch closely resemble two other terapontid species found in adjoining drainage's of the Murray-Darling system. These are the Welch's grunter (Bidyanus welchi) and the Barcoo grunter (Scortum barcoo).

Fishing rules – Silver perch may be taken from listed stocked dams but are not allowed to be taken in rivers. The bag limit in listed stocked impoundments is 5 per person per day, with a minimum size of 25cm.