25x Jade Perch 3-4cm

The Barcoo grunter or Jade Perch (Scortum barcoo), is a freshwater finfish native to the Lake Eyre and Bulloo-Bancannia catchments. The natural habitat of the barcoo grunter includes the low gradient rivers and creeks of the Lake Eyre Catchment. The name, "Jade Perch" comes from the "jade" colour seen along the dorsal area of the fish.

· Temperature: 20°C - 28°C.
· pH: 6.8 - 7.2
· General Hardness: 50 - 200ppm.

The feeding behavior of Jade Perch is normally vigorous to extreme. The fish race towards the end of the pond/tank, where the approaching farmer is about to feed, creating quite a bow wave as they begin to break the surface with their heads.

Once they reach the edge of the pond/tank they will extend their entire head from the water in anticipation of a feed. This behavior decreases in intensity as the temperature drops. We are told by growers, that under 18c surface feeding will almost stop. Some farmers have experienced stock losses during winter. You may experience Losses at temperatures under 10C

Jade Perch are very well suited to grow-out in recirculating systems. They make an excellent beginners species!

Jade Perch are NOT permitted into W.A

Queensland Jade Perch are best grown in water temperatures above 24c and below 33C. Fastest growth is around 26C. They will survive temperatures as low as 11C for reasonably short periods,

The name Jade Perch was chosen because of the distinctive greenish, (JADE) colour displayed by the fish as the light catches the dorsal area scales. The name was chosen by the worlds FIRST 3 pioneer growers of Australian JADE perch while sitting around the kitchen table of the, then president for the Aquaculture Association of Queensland Inc., Bruce Sambell. The common, local name, was Barcoo Grunter, which does not sound as pleasant as Jade perch.

They grow extremely fast and are highly suited for aquaculture in areas with a moderate sub-tropical to tropical climate.

They eat very well and have a firmer, slightly flaky flesh than Silver Perch.

They are also proving to be a good species for recirculating aquaculture systems. The fish come from a very hostile environment. Fish in Australian rivers must be able to cope well with the “feast and famine” nature of many of the river systems in Australia. These rivers can be dry for months, even years. Large water holes are the surviving refuge for many species of Australian native fishes, especially JADE perch.