Spangled Perch
The spangled perch, Leiopotherapon unicolor, is a hardy freshwater fish endemic to Australia. Known for its adaptability, it can thrive in diverse environments, from forest streams to arid desert waters. The species is often found in billabongs, lakes, and temporary waterholes, feeding on a varied diet of insects, crustaceans, mollusks, and plant matter. It is well-suited to survive extreme conditions, including droughts, making it a common and resilient species in Australian inland waters.
Length~25 (max 31)
Weight~1 (max 1)
WaterFresh
Water Temp10-44° F
- Other namesSpangled grunter
- Length~25 (max 31)
- Weight~1 (max 1)
- WaterFresh
- Water Temp10-44° F
Popular lures for Spangled Perch
Regulation for Spangled Perch
- Season-
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Living Conditions
🐟 Habitat preferences
- Spangled perch are found in a wide range of habitats, including freshwater streams, lakes, billabongs, and even temporary waterholes
- They are highly adaptable and can live in environments with varying levels of salinity, pH, and temperature, from nearly pure freshwater to seawater
- Their omnivorous diet includes insects, small crustaceans, mollusks, and aquatic plants, allowing them to thrive in many conditions
- The species is often found in remote, interior waters, particularly after rains, where they can inhabit any available water source, including puddles and wheel ruts
♻️ Life cycle and mating behavior
- Spangled perch spawn during the warmer months, with spawning typically occurring at night when water temperatures are favorable
- They migrate to shallow areas in rivers or lakes to lay eggs, which are deposited on soft substrates
- The eggs hatch quickly, and the male guards and fans the eggs until they hatch, showing parental care uncommon in many fish
- This species can endure harsh conditions by burrowing into wet mud or hiding in moist debris, ensuring survival during dry spells