The humble spangled perch is one of Australia’s most widely distributed native freshwater fish.
Usually around 15-20cm long, they can grow to about 25cm and 500g, although bigger fish have been recorded.
Often caught as a bycatch while chasing bass in our local creeks and rivers, spangled perch are one tough little native. They’re hardy enough to share their habitat with the introduced tilapia and survive conditions that knock around plenty of other freshwater fish, tolerating temperatures from around 5°C to 44°C.
Survival Habits, Diet, and Table Qualities
They feed on insects, small crustaceans, molluscs and small fish, and don’t mind having a go at something almost as big as themselves. I’ve also kept them in aquariums, where they can be little bullies, chasing other fish around and eating anything smaller than them.
They’re not just good fun on light gear, either. Spangled perch can be surprisingly good eating – from clean water.
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