Australian Bass
The Australian bass, Percalates novemaculeatus, is a freshwater and estuarine fish found in the rivers and lakes of eastern Australia. Recognized for its sporting qualities, this species is highly valued by recreational anglers. It has a streamlined body and is known for its aggressive feeding behavior, making it a challenging catch.
Length~20 (max 65)
Weight~0.5 (max 3)
WaterFresh, brackish
Water Temp10-26° F
Depth2-6 ft
- Other names-
- Length~20 (max 65)
- Weight~0.5 (max 3)
- WaterFresh, brackish
- Water Temp10-26° F
- Depth2-6 ft
Popular lures for Australian Bass
Regulation for Australian Bass
- SeasonAlways open
- Bag limit2
- Vessel limit-
- Trophy limits>35 (1 fish)
- Max size-
- Min sizeNo
- MeasurementTotal length
- Prohibited methods-
Living Conditions
🐟 Habitat preferences
- Australian bass inhabit freshwater rivers, lakes, and brackish estuaries
- They prefer areas with aquatic vegetation and rocky or gravel substrates
- Juveniles are found in sheltered bays and estuaries, which offer protection
- Their diet consists of insects, crustaceans, and smaller fish
♻️ Life cycle and mating behavior
- Spawning occurs during flood events from May to August, triggering a downstream migration
- Eggs are deposited in plant thickets and sandbars in estuaries
- Larvae drift downstream and juveniles remain in brackish nurseries until maturity
- Adults exhibit a catadromous lifecycle, migrating between freshwater and estuarine environments for spawning