Other names: -
The Australian bass, Percalates novemaculeatus, is a freshwater and estuarine fish found in the rivers and lakes of eastern Australia. Recognized for its sporting qualities, this species is highly valued by recreational anglers. It has a streamlined body and is known for its aggressive feeding behavior, making it a challenging catch.
Other names
-
Length
~20" (max 65)
Weight
~0.5" (max 3)
Water
Fresh, brackish
Water Temp
10-26° F
Depth
2-6 ft
Berkley PowerBait
Chasebaits Ripple Cicada
Crayfish
Daiwa Bait Junkie
Jackall Micro Tappy
Maggots
Minnows
Mudeyes
Osp Bent Minnow
Scrub wormsAlways open
2
27 cm
Total length
Australian bass inhabit freshwater rivers, lakes, and brackish estuaries
They prefer areas with aquatic vegetation and rocky or gravel substrates
Juveniles are found in sheltered bays and estuaries, which offer protection
Their diet consists of insects, crustaceans, and smaller fish
Spawning occurs during flood events from May to August, triggering a downstream migration
Eggs are deposited in plant thickets and sandbars in estuaries
Larvae drift downstream and juveniles remain in brackish nurseries until maturity
Adults exhibit a catadromous lifecycle, migrating between freshwater and estuarine environments for spawning
