{"product_id":"golden-perch","title":"Golden Perch","description":"\u003ch3 class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchorContainer\"\u003eAbout the Golden Perch\u003cspan class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchor\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Golden Perch, also known as the Yellowbelly, is one of Australia's most iconic native freshwater fish. Renowned for its striking golden-bronze colouration, powerful build, and inquisitive nature, this species is a favourite among native fish enthusiasts, pond keepers, and recreational anglers alike.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNative to the Murray-Darling River Basin and several inland river systems, Golden Perch are highly adaptable and thrive in large freshwater aquariums, ponds, and aquaculture systems with excellent filtration and plenty of swimming space. Juveniles display beautiful yellow and olive tones that intensify as they mature, while adults develop the characteristic deep golden body that gives the species its common name.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGolden Perch are opportunistic carnivores, feeding on insects, crustaceans, yabbies, worms, and smaller fish in the wild. In captivity, they readily accept quality native fish pellets alongside frozen and live foods. Due to their eventual size and predatory nature, they are best housed with similarly sized Australian native fish and should not be kept with small community species.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWith proper care, the Golden Perch is a hardy, intelligent, and long-lived species that makes a spectacular centrepiece in large native aquariums or outdoor ponds.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eQuick Care Guide\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eScientific Name\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eMacquaria ambigua\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eCommon Name\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGolden Perch (Yellowbelly)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eOrigin\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMurray-Darling River Basin, Australia\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eAdult Size\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e40–60 cm (can exceed 70 cm)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eTemperament\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSemi-peaceful\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eDiet\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCarnivore\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eMinimum Tank Size\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e750 Litres (ponds recommended for adults)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eTemperature\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e18–28°C\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003epH\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e6.5–8.0\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWater Hardness\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e5–20 dGH\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eDifficulty\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIntermediate\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eLifespan\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e15–20 Years\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eSuitable For\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLarge native aquariums, ponds, and aquaculture systems\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eAre Golden Perch good for beginners?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThey are hardy and relatively easy to care for but require very large aquariums or ponds as they mature, making them better suited to aquarists prepared for their long-term needs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eHow large do Golden Perch grow?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMost adults reach 40–60 cm, although some individuals can exceed 70 cm under ideal conditions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat do Golden Perch eat?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThey are carnivorous and enjoy quality native fish pellets, insects, worms, yabbies, shrimp, frozen foods, and small fish where appropriate.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCan Golden Perch live with other fish?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. They can be kept with other similarly sized Australian native species but should not be housed with fish small enough to fit in their mouth.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCan Golden Perch be kept in ponds?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbsolutely. Outdoor ponds provide the ideal environment for adult Golden Perch, offering ample space and stable water conditions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eCommon Mistakes\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eKeeping them in aquariums that are too small\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGolden Perch grow rapidly and require substantial swimming space throughout their lives.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHousing them with small fish\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs natural predators, they may consume smaller tank mates.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003ePoor filtration\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTheir size and appetite produce significant waste, making powerful biological filtration essential.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eFeeding an unbalanced diet\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA varied, protein-rich diet supports healthy growth and long-term wellbeing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eUnderestimating their lifespan\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGolden Perch can live for many years, so they require a long-term commitment and appropriate housing.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Apex Aquatic","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48853878538379,"sku":null,"price":15.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0579\/8353\/3195\/files\/GL3IY22PRixn8UKd4_wYNFVg8MlN4eJi-tN8UzoP2SEi13wwXcX61o84jS687yPZkI1YXk661L5g-OHoddIll0zICmt8OVajDsXY4y0dBVFaMrjQTWu6Ct3zWogHoL0UMbB3F0Oc3KSe1EO833ZNSlAMOzcbMvsTJs44wzPLv9cHs9yEfp7dwTy.jpg?v=1785909075","url":"https:\/\/apexaquatic.com.au\/products\/golden-perch","provider":"Apex Aquatic","version":"1.0","type":"link"}