Knight, J.T., 2007. Aspects of the biology and conservation of the endangered Oxleyan pygmy perch, Nannoperca oxleyana Whitley. Oral presentation given at the annual Australian Society for Fish Biology Conference, 11 – 15 September 2007, Canberra, Australia.

Summary

The Oxleyan pygmy perch is a small freshwater fish native to the coastal lowlands of central-eastern Australia. The species is currently listed as ‘threatened’ at international, national and state levels. Detailed species-specific information is required to assist in planning and implementing effective conservation management programs for the fish. An overview is provided of research into several poorly understood aspects of the species’ conservation biology. Aspects discussed include the evaluation of appropriate methodologies for sampling the species, and the species’ distribution, habitat associations, genetics, reproduction and development of eggs and larvae. The results of this research have important implications for the conservation of Oxleyan pygmy perch in Australia. Recommendations include the protection and maintenance of the small number of coastal heathland water bodies inhabited by the species, specific controls on land management activities during the species’ extended breeding season between September and April, and the adoption of a standardised sampling protocol.