Tiny but Mighty, Endangered Native Species Making a Comeback!

SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium Releases, over 250 Southern Pygmy Perch in a World-First for Conservation supported by NSW DPI Fisheries 

In a world-first, SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium has bred and released over 250 Southern pygmy perch (Nannoperca australis) at Lade Vale, New South Wales, marking a key milestone for conservation efforts to protect this native endangered species.

"Though they are small, the Southern pygmy perch are mighty! They play a vital role in freshwater ecosystems by controlling insect populations and supporting biodiversity, which ensures the health of streams and wetlands," said Laura Simmons, Head of Conservation, Welfare, and Education for SEA LIFE Aquariums Australia and New Zealand.

"Four years ago, when the NSW Government’s Fisheries Division approached SEA LIFE Sydney, we embraced the challenge to take on custodianship, develop best practices within the aquarium, and ultimately breed the southern pygmy perch for a cooperative breed-for-release program to encourage wild repopulation. We are incredibly proud of reaching this milestone, which marks a significant step in recovering the species and securing its future in Australia's freshwater ecosystems," she added.

Southern pygmy perch were once widely distributed and abundant in the Murray, Lachlan, and Murrumbidgee catchments. The species has now disappeared from most locations in NSW and has only been recorded from a handful of sites in the last 30 years.

The aquarium-bred Southern pygmy perch have been released into a waterway on a private property at Lade Vale, NSW, determined as a suitable habitat by the project experts. Post-release, project partners, NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) Fisheries and Gunning District Landcare, will closely monitor the fish to ensure their successful integration into the wild.

“It’s exciting to be working with SEA LIFE Sydney and the local landcare group on new and innovative ways to re-establish this unique and important species back in the landscape” said Luke Pearce, DPIRD Senior Fisheries Manager.

Southern pygmy perch are threatened by habitat loss from flood control measures and dams, which disrupt river flow and temperature, as well as by competition and predation from invasive species like Redfin perch, common carp and Eastern gambusia.

As part of its broader conservation strategy, SEA LIFE Sydney will continue to support research, breeding programs, and habitat restoration projects, collaborating with government and conservation partners to secure a future for the Southern pygmy perch and other vulnerable species within Australia and around the world.

Click the button below for more information on SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium’s conservation efforts.