The Silver Perch is a native Australian freshwater fish. The prolonged drought conditions in recent years have lead to a serious decline of fish numbers in many areas. Silver Perch are now listed as a “Vulnerable Species” in NSW.
Scientific name
Bidyanus bidyanus
Characteristics
Silver Perch are a moderate to large freshwater fish native to the Murray-Darling river system. Silver Perch are oval shaped with a small head that can become beak-like in larger fish. The colour can be grey, greenish, gold or silvery, darker on the back and paler on the sides, with a white belly. Juveniles may be mottled with vertical dark bars.
Size
Silver Perch usually reach 30-40 cm and 0.5-1.5 kg, but have been recorded up to 8 kg.
Distribution
Silver Perch were once widespread and abundant throughout most of the Murray-Darling river system. They have now declined to low numbers or disappeared from most of their former range. Only one remaining secure and self sustaining population occurs in NSW in the central Murray River downstream of Yarrawonga weir, as well as several anabranches and tributaries.