The Oxleyan pygmy perch is a very small perch-like freshwater fish restricted to the Oxleyan faunal region of coastal mid-eastern Australia. The species can reach up to 60mm with the dorsal fin deeply notched with six to eight spines and seven to nine rays.
to nine rays

Threats

The freshwater coastal lowland wallum ecosystems of south-east Qld and northern NSW, where Oxleyan pygmy perch persist, have been substantially reduced through clearing for urban development, agriculture, forestry production and sand mining. Furthermore, the emerging threat of climate change (fire, drought and water quality impacts) presents a risk to all subpopulations of the Oxleyan pygmy perch.

Quollity Conservation Hub's Vulnerability Score:

22

To help compare the relative vulnerability of different species, we have developed a scoring system based on biological and ecological characteristics that influence a species' ability to survive and recover from environmental change and natural disasters.

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The framework is adapted from assessment methods used by conservation experts following the Black Summer bushfires to help identify species most in need of conservation action, research, and recovery funding.

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Each species is assessed using a range of factors, including its conservation status, lifespan, reproductive rate, habitat and dietary requirements, ability to disperse or recover after fire, and the number and severity of threats it faces.

In general, the higher a species' score, the greater its overall vulnerability and risk of decline or extinction.

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Like all conservation assessments, this scoring system is limited by the information currently available. Many threatened species remain poorly studied and receive limited research funding, meaning some assessments rely on the best available scientific knowledge or information from closely related species. As new research becomes available, scores may be updated to reflect our improved understanding.