Oxleyan pygmy perch

Summary

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.

Oxleyan pygmy perch have disappeared from some locations and remaining populations are small and fragmented. They are threatened by coastal development, habitat degradation, water pollution, competition from the introduced ‘plague minnow’ Gambusia holbrooki and collection for aquaria. They are listed as an endangered species under both NSW and Commonwealth law. A recovery plan has been developed for Oxleyan pygmy perch and work on recovery actions is well underway.

This illustrated Primefact includes information on the following:

  • Description of the Oxleyan pygmy perch
  • Habitat and ecology
  • Why is it threatened?
  • Conservation and recovery actions
  • Legal implications
  • Contact information



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Primefact 181 Second Edition

Published: Oct 2016