Golden Perch, Macquaria ambigua (Richardson, 1845)
Callop, Freshwater Bream, Murray Bream, Murray Perch, Perch, Tarki, White Perch, Yellowbelly, Yellowfin Perch
Click to enlarge image
© Sascha Schulz
Fast Facts
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Classification
- Genus
- Macquaria
- Species
- ambigua
- Family
- Percichthyidae
- Order
- Perciformes
- Class
- Actinopterygii
- Subphylum
- Vertebrata
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Kingdom
- Animalia
-
- Size Range
- The species grows to 76 cm in length (23 kg) but is more common to 40 cm to 50 cm and 5 kg.
-
- Habitats
- freshwater
Introduction
Large Golden Perch have a distinctly yellow belly, hence one of the common names. Golden Perch is, however, the standard name for the species.
Identification
Large fish are brown to greenish above and yellow below. They have a concave forehead, a protruding lower jaw and a truncate caudal fin. Juveniles are more silvery coloured with grey mottling on the sides.
Habitat
Golden Perch are found in a range of habitat types, most commonly in slow-moving stretches of streams, lakes and backwaters.
Distribution
The species is restricted to freshwaters of Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia.
The map below shows the Australian distribution of the species based on public sightings and specimens in Australian Museums. Click on the map for detailed information. Source: Atlas of Living Australia.
Breeding behaviours
Spawning occurs at night in flooded backwaters after spring and summer rain.
Economic impacts
It is a highly prized angling species.
References
- Allen, G.R. 1989. Freshwater Fishes of Australia. T.F.H. Publications. Pp. 240.
- Allen, G.R., Midgley, S.H. & M. Allen. 2002. Field Guide to the Freshwater Fishes of Australia. Western Australian Museum. Pp. 394.
- McDowall, R.M. 1996. Freshwater Fishes of South-Eastern Australia. Reed Books. Pp. 247.
- Merrick, J.R. & G.E. Schmida. 1984. Australian Freshwater Fishes. Biology and Management. John R. Merrick. Pp. 409.
