Macquarie Perch
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.
Length~30 (max 50)
Weight~1 (max 2)
WaterFresh
Water Temp9-16° F
Depth4 ft
- Other names-
- Length~30 (max 50)
- Weight~1 (max 2)
- WaterFresh
- Water Temp9-16° F
- Depth4 ft
Popular lures for Macquarie Perch
Regulation for Macquarie Perch
- SeasonOpened from January 01 to October 02.
- Bag limit1
- Vessel limit-
- Trophy limits-
- Max size-
- Min size35 cm
- MeasurementTotal length
- Prohibited methods-
Living Conditions
🐟 Habitat preferences
- 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
♻️ Life cycle and mating behavior
- 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