Other names: -
The Macquarie perch (Macquaria australasica) is a freshwater fish native to the Murray-Darling basin in Australia. Known for its dark, olive-colored body, it inhabits cool, clear rivers and lakes. This species prefers deep, slow-moving water with rocky or gravelly substrates. Macquarie perch populations have declined significantly, making it a vulnerable species, but it remains a target for recreational fishing where allowed.
Other names
-
Length
~30" (max 50)
Weight
~1" (max 2)
Water
Fresh
Water Temp
9-16° F
Depth
4 ft
Bivisble Dry Fly
Scrub wormsOpened from January 01 to October 02.
1
35 cm
Total length
Macquarie perch prefers deep pools with rocky or gravel substrates in cool, clear rivers and lakes
It is often found in slow-moving waters, particularly near the bottom or mid-water
Adults feed primarily on aquatic insects, crustaceans, and mollusks, while juveniles focus on zooplankton
They tend to be solitary but form small schools during spawning season
Macquarie perch spawn in spring to early summer, often in shallow riffles over gravel beds
Eggs are adhesive and lodge in substrate crevices, with larvae hatching within a couple of weeks
After spawning, adults return to deeper waters, while juveniles remain in shallower areas for protection
The species exhibits seasonal upstream migrations to suitable spawning grounds, often with segregated schools based on age and sex
