Known from MacIntyre River drainage, N.S.W. to Avon River drainage (Ref. 7300). Recorded from Victoria, Tasmania and South Australia (Ref. 44894). Feed selectively on small endemic fishes and fish fry and may have affected the numbers of galaxiids, pygmy perch, Nannoperca australis, and the golden perch, Macquaria ambigua in southern rivers (Ref. 12257). Common where there is abundant aquatic vegetation. A predatory species, juveniles feed on zooplankton, bottom invertebrate fauna and other perch fry while adults feed on both invertebrates and fish, mainly stickle-backs, perch, roach and minnows. The dietary preferences have created fears among conservationists who believed this species adversely affects stocks of native fishes including Murray cod, Macquarie perch, pygmy perches and rainbow fishes. The egg mass is unpalatable to other fish and is therefore protected. The eggs hatch in 1-3 weeks and the young form schools for some time before taking up a solitary existence (Ref. 44894). Used to be cultured commercially in Australia (Ref. 7306). Also Ref. 1739.