MURDOCH University researchers have discovered two new populations of a rare freshwater fish species near Denmark which are providing invaluable data for conservation efforts and enhancing the species' survival prospects.
Freshwater Fish Group and Fish Health Unit research fellows Drs Stephen Beatty and David Morgan first discovered the little pygmy perch (Nannoperca pygmaea) in a 3km stretch of the Hay and Mitchell Rivers in 2009.
Now, as part of a three-year study in conjunction with UWA Albany-based Centre for Excellence in Natural Resource Management Dr Paul Close, they located the species in two neighbouring catchments in March.
The study aims to gain ecological information on the endangered western trout minnow (Galaxias truttaceus) and balston's pygmy perch (Nannatherina balstoni) as well as the little pygmy perch.
Read more: Rare fish find refuge in Great Southern rivers
Freshwater Fish Group and Fish Health Unit research fellows Drs Stephen Beatty and David Morgan first discovered the little pygmy perch (Nannoperca pygmaea) in a 3km stretch of the Hay and Mitchell Rivers in 2009.
Now, as part of a three-year study in conjunction with UWA Albany-based Centre for Excellence in Natural Resource Management Dr Paul Close, they located the species in two neighbouring catchments in March.
The study aims to gain ecological information on the endangered western trout minnow (Galaxias truttaceus) and balston's pygmy perch (Nannatherina balstoni) as well as the little pygmy perch.
Read more: Rare fish find refuge in Great Southern rivers