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Golden Perch

Golden Perch

Macquaria ambigua

Quick Facts

Scientific name Macquaria ambigua

Other names Yellowbelly, Callop, Freshwater Bream, Murray Bream, Murray Perch, Tarki, White Perch, Yellowfin Perch, Goldens

Size Up to 76 cm (30 in)

Weight Up to 24 kg (52.9 lb)

Distribution

Habitat & AU Distribution Freshwater rivers, billabongs, dams, lakes & reservoirs in deep pools amongst wooden debris & rock ledges

Depth Range 0 - 15 m (49 ft)

Interesting Info

The Golden Perch is a species of freshwater fish native to Australia, found in the Murray-Darling Basin and other river systems throughout eastern and southeastern Australia.
They are also known as Yellowbelly due to their distinctive yellow coloration on their belly. They have a stout, cylindrical body with a blunt snout and a large mouth.
Golden Perch are primarily bottom-feeders, feeding on a variety of aquatic invertebrates, fish, and crustaceans. They are also known to feed on plant material and detritus.
The breeding season for Golden Perch typically occurs between October and February. Males will build nests in shallow water by moving stones and debris, which they will then guard during breeding season.
They are a hardy species that can tolerate a wide range of water conditions, including high temperatures and low oxygen levels.
Golden Perch are long-lived fish, with some individuals living for over 20 years in the wild.

Species Interaction

Recreational Fishing

Golden Perch is a popular target species for recreational fishing in Australia, due to several factors, including their large size, hard-fighting nature, and the quality of their flesh as a food source.

Scientific Classification

Kingdom: Animalia

Phylum: Chordata

Class: Actinopterygii

Order: Perciformes

Family: Percichthyidae

Genus: Macquaria

Species: Macquaria ambigua

Conservation Status

Golden Perch is listed as a species of “Least Concern” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). This means that the species is not considered to be at high risk of extinction in the wild.

Fish Taste Quality

Golden perch are considered good eating with firm, white flesh that is mild and sweet in flavour. Often prepared by pan-frying, grilling, or baking and is commonly served with lemon, butter, or other herbs and spices.

Taste Rating: 3/5