Other names: Spangled grunter
The spangled perch, Leiopotherapon unicolor, is a hardy freshwater fish endemic to Australia. Known for its adaptability, it can thrive in diverse environments, from forest streams to arid desert waters. The species is often found in billabongs, lakes, and temporary waterholes, feeding on a varied diet of insects, crustaceans, mollusks, and plant matter. It is well-suited to survive extreme conditions, including droughts, making it a common and resilient species in Australian inland waters.
Other names
Spangled grunter
Length
~25" (max 31)
Weight
~1" (max 1)
Water
Fresh
Water Temp
10-44° F
Garden worms
Grasshoppers
Shrimp
Yabbies-
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Spangled perch are found in a wide range of habitats, including freshwater streams, lakes, billabongs, and even temporary waterholes
They are highly adaptable and can live in environments with varying levels of salinity, pH, and temperature, from nearly pure freshwater to seawater
Their omnivorous diet includes insects, small crustaceans, mollusks, and aquatic plants, allowing them to thrive in many conditions
The species is often found in remote, interior waters, particularly after rains, where they can inhabit any available water source, including puddles and wheel ruts
Spangled perch spawn during the warmer months, with spawning typically occurring at night when water temperatures are favorable
They migrate to shallow areas in rivers or lakes to lay eggs, which are deposited on soft substrates
The eggs hatch quickly, and the male guards and fans the eggs until they hatch, showing parental care uncommon in many fish
This species can endure harsh conditions by burrowing into wet mud or hiding in moist debris, ensuring survival during dry spells
