Description
Western Pygmy Perch are a small native fish, usually found in small streams or swamps of Western Australia. The Western Pygmy Perch is an excellent fish smaller unheated aquariums or for mosquito control in ponds. It tolerates wide water temperatures and prefers clear water both fresh and brackish. Becomes very colourful during breeding season (late winter and spring). Not commonly available in the aquarium trade.
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Features of Western Pygmy Perch:
- Olive brown to silvery body with transparent fins (non-breeding)
- Males develop black fins (breeding)
- Suitable for ponds - Tadpole friendly
- Suitable for unheated aquariums
- Grows up to 5-6cm
- Eggs layers
- Care level: Beginner
The Best Aquarium Size Western Pygmy Perch:
Western Pygmy Perch can be kept in moderately sized nano aquariums (50L) or larger. They are ideal for outdoor small ponds.
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Tank Mate Compatibility:
Western Pygmy Perch are a peaceful fish. Although they are not a schooling species, they do benefit from living in groups of their own kind. Western Pygmy Perch Can be kept as a single species, or in an unheated community aquarium or pond. Avoid keeping with small species or crustaceans that are smaller than their mouth, as they may become a snack.
Great tank mates for your Western Pygmy Perch include:
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Diet:
Western Pygmy Perch are carnivores and are easy to feed. They readily accept small sinking pellets as the primary diet. Naturally they have a high protein diet eating insect larvae. For healthy Western Pygmy Perch, ensure to feed a varied diet that includes live, frozen and freeze dried blackworms, bloodworms, brine shrimp and daphnia.
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Western Pygmy Perch Fish Tank Setup:
Aquarium Filtration
Western Pygmy Perch enjoy clean and well filtered water with gentle flow. Select an aquarium filter with gentle filtration. Some quality aquarium filter brands to consider inlcude Eheim, Fluval, Oase, Ocean Free, Aqua One.
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Aquarium Plants for Western Pygmy Perch
The Western Pygmy Perch will benefit from aquatic plants in an outdoor pond for protection. When breeding, they will scatter their eggs on plants. Select live aquatic plants that will cooler waters if keeping in an unheated aquarium or pond.
Some aquarium plants to consider include:
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Aquarium Decorations
Driftwood & rock is the ideal aquarium ornament as Western Pygmy Perch love to swim about and hide behind structure. Resin aquarium ornaments can also be used to add character to your aquarium and enhance it's design.
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Aquarium Lighting
Western Pygmy Perch enjoy a shaded, more dimly lit aquarium. If keeping live aquatic plants, consider lighting requirements for ideal plant growth. Replicate daylight hours of 8-10 hours per day. Plants will create needed shade for your fish.
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Aquarium Substrate
Aquarium sand and smooth surfaced fine to medium grade gravel are great aquarium substrates for Western Pygmy Perch. If keeping live aquarium plants, a combination of aquasoil and sand or gravel on top can provide an attractive and practical solution for optimal plant growth.
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