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FRESHWATER FISH Nannoperca australis AUS SA AMLR Endemism - - E - Photo: © Michael Hammer Conservation Significance The AMLR distribution is part of a limited extant distribution in adjacent regions within SA.2 Recommended for listing as Rare under NPW Act as part of the threatened species status review in 2003.1 Under the SA Fisheries Act 2007 its status is Protected. Description Small, deep bodied species to 10 cm (commonly 3-5 cm), with a large eye and brilliant red fins during spawning (males). Distinguished from Yarra Pygmy Perch by a larger mouth reaching below the eye and a regular (round) eye pupil; from Variegated Pygmy Perch by having scales on top of the head and the second dorsal spine longer than the third, and from Chanda Perch by having a rounded rather than forked tail.3 Recent genetic studies identified that ‘Southern Pygmy Perch’ comprises two distinct species with an eastern species in Gippsland (VIC), Flinders Island and north-east TAS, and a western species occurring coastally west of Wilsons Promontory and in the MDB. The western species has two distinct genetic lineages divided by the Great Dividing Range (i.e. coastal and Murray-Darling) that warrant recognition at the subspecies level. Hence there are two distinct units of management in SA, (a) Murray lineage and (b) SE lineage.3 Distribution and Population In the SE region suitable habitat is much reduced due to extensive drainage and there are presumed local Southern Pygmy Perch extinctions. The range and area of occupancy of the Murray-Darling lineage continues to decline. Genetic evaluation of the populations of the Murray lineage indicates five genetically distinct sub-populations that are separated by land barriers of 10km or less. The remaining populations include: patchy distribution in swampy edges and drains around Lake Alexandrina, with core populations on eastern Hindmarsh Island, Black Swamp and near Milang (presumed extinct along the River Murray itself; some local declines in Lake Alexandrina), and four stream catchments Inman River ; two disjunct populations, both small and affected by stream drying Tookayerta Creek; populations are reasonably continuous but in a small catchment Finniss River; a few highly restricted sites Angas River; a single core pool, with recent loss of fish from two tributary streams (Dawson and Middle creeks). Populations within individual streams are fragmented, especially the Inman, Finniss and Angas catchments and habitat conditions continue to deteriorate or have a high potential for deterioration with habitat drying.3 Within the AMLR, only occurs in the Fleurieu Peninsula and Lower Murray River Basins, within the South Australian Gulf and Murray-Darling Drainage Divisions.2 Numerous records from the South East; most are post1970. Two earlier records were from swamps at Kalangadoo (1912) and Kingston (1928). Records after the 1970s (post drainage) are from across the region and the species was widespread in the former extensive wetland habitat. In the SAMDB, the species was widespread in the fringing swamps and tributary streams of the lower River Murray and Lake Alexandrina (e.g. historically plentiful in the smaller backwaters and swampy lowlands of the Finniss River), and is also likely to have been found commonly in areas associated with the River Murray through to VIC. A new population in southern Fleurieu Peninsula (Inman Catchment) was first documented in 2001; long-term presence was subsequent confirmed by oral history.3 Habitat Habitat is varied but generally comprises smaller pools, swamps and wetlands (plus some artificial refuges including drains) with dense structure, either physical such as rock and snags or submerged plants such as Further information: Biodiversity Conservation Unit, Adelaide Region Phone: (61 8) 8336 0901 Fax: (61 8) 8336 0999 http://www.environment.sa.gov.au/ Department for Environment and Heritage FIS 90346 May 2008 Prepared as part of the Regional Recovery Plan for Threatened Species and Ecological Communities of Adelaide and the Mount Lofty Ranges, South Australia 2009 - 2014 algae and Pond Weeds (Potamogeton), but most often emergent or overhanging edge vegetation such as grasses, Water Ribbons (Triglochin), Club Rush (Schoenoplectus) and Cumbungi (Typha). Preferred habitat can include large pools with edge cover where large predatory fish are absent. Habitat often comprises areas with cooler water temperatures; the highest densities are in fenced or ungrazed areas. Benefits from the seasonal inundation (winter/spring) of edge and emergent vegetation as prime habitat and cover for juveniles and shelter for adults during floods.3 Biology and Ecology The SAMDB lineage seems to be more sensitive to habitat and flow changes. Individuals in spawning condition have been noted in spring and occasionally through summer in sites with permanent cool flows. Feed on small invertebrates picked from underwater surfaces. Individuals are short lived (approximately four years) with only a small percent of most populations older than one or two years (they reach sexual maturity within a year). Movement is fairly limited, especially in the streams of the MLR, with dispersal occurring across inundated shallows rather than against the flow.3 Aboriginal Significance Post-1983 records indicate the AMLR distribution occurs in Peramangk and Ngarrindjeri Nations.2 Threats Reasons for population decline and continuing threats include: loss or degradation of habitat, notably swamps altered flow regimes, delayed onset of seasonal flows due to water abstraction from watercourses and the occurrence of unnatural cycles of drying, can impede movement between riparian areas and are likely to become more pronounced with climate change loss or degradation of stream-side vegetation and silting of watercourses, e.g. impact of livestock major barriers or disruptions to dispersal due to instream structures, such as dams, reservoirs, vertical weirs, road culverts predation by and competition from introduced fish species (trout, Eastern Gambusia and possibly Redfin).3 Regional Distribution Map based on filtered post-1983 records.2 Note, this map does not necessarily represent the actual species’ distribution within the AMLR. References Note: In some cases original reference sources are not included in this list, however they can be obtained from the reference from which the information has been sourced (the reference cited in superscript). 1 Department for Environment and Heritage (2003 ). Review of the Status of Threatened Species in South Australia. Proposed Schedules under the South Australian National Parks and Wildlife Act 1972 Discussion Paper. National Parks and Wildlife Council in partnership with the Department for Environment and Heritage. 2 Department for Environment and Heritage (2007). Adelaide and Mount Lofty Ranges Regional Recovery Pilot Project Database. Unpublished data extracted and edited from BDBSA, SA Herbarium (July 2007) and other sources. 3 Hammer, M., Wedderburn, S. and Van Weenen, J. (2007). Action Plan for South Australian Freshwater Fishes: 2007-2012 Draft. Native Fish Australia (SA) Inc., Adelaide. Additional current direct threats have been identified and rated for this species. Refer to the main plan accompanying these profiles. Further information: Biodiversity Conservation Unit, Adelaide Region Phone: (61 8) 8336 0901 Fax: (61 8) 8336 0999 http://www.environment.sa.gov.au/ Department for Environment and Heritage FIS 90346 May 2008 Prepared as part of the Regional Recovery Plan for Threatened Species and Ecological Communities of Adelaide and the Mount Lofty Ranges, South Australia 2009 - 2014