A small freshwater fish found in south-eastern Australia, with a deeply notched long-based dorsal fin, a small mouth, and a squarish to slightly rounded tail. Southern Pygmy Perch have a non-serrated preorbital bone and a round pupil. Breeding males develop brilliant red fins.
Southern Pygmy Perch are usually found amongst aquatic vegetation in a wide range of environments. The species has a patchy distribution due population declines in recent years - especially in New South Wales.