Description

Southern Pygmy Perch are a small native fish, usually found in small streams or swamps of South-eastern Australia. The Southern Pygmy Perch is an excellent fish smaller cold water aquariums or for mosquito control in ponds in cool climates (eg heavily shaded ponds, locations south of dividing range). Becomes very colourful during breeding season (late winter and spring). Not commonly available in the aquarium trade.

Features of Southern Pygmy Perch:

• Olive brown body with transparent fins (non-breeding)
• Males develop bright red and black fins (breeding)
• Suitable for ponds – Tadpole friendly
• Suitable for cold water nano tanks
• Grows up to 5-6cm
• Eggs layers
• Care level: Beginner

The Southern Pygmy Perch thrives in still or slow-flowing waters in streams, lakes, and wetlands. 

They prefer slightly alkaline water with a pH range of 7.0 to 8.0 and a general hardness of 75 – 300 ppm.

The Best Aquarium Size Southern Pygmy Perch:

Southern Pygmy Perch can be kept in moderately sized nano aquariums (50L) or larger. They are ideal for outdoor small ponds.

Diet:

Southern Pygmy Perch carnivores and are easy to feed. They readily accept small sinking pellets as the primary diet. Naturally they have a high protein diet eating insect larvae. For healthy Southern Pygmy Perch, ensure to feed a varied diet that includes live, frozen and freeze dried blackworms, bloodworms, brine shrimp and daphnia.