Endangered species - Oxleyan pygmy perch
Important information
Scientific name - Nannoperca oxleyana
Distribution - Oxleyan pygmy perch are a small freshwater fish endemic to the coastal region of eastern Australia, from northern NSW to south-eastern Queensland. They also occur on Fraser, Moreton and Stradbroke Islands. They have specific habitat requirements and are patchily distributed within this range.
Size - They can grow to about 60mm in length, but are more commonly found to lengths of about 35mm.
Characteristics - Oxleyan pygmy perch are light brown to olive in colour (darker on the back and paler on the sides) with three to four patchy brown bars running from head to tail. There is a dark spot with an orange rim at the base of the tail and a blue ring around the eye. During breeding the fins darken and the lateral stripes and tail turn red.
Confusing species - none.