Golden Perch

{
  "id": "941f1942-9d6c-43a3-b0f6-fb8fb7a6cc75",
  "commonName": "Golden Perch",
  "scientificName": "Macquaria ambigua",
  "slug": "golden-perch",
  "category": "freshwater",
  "aliases": [
    "Yellowbelly",
    "Callop",
    "Murray Perch",
    "Freshwater Perch",
    "Goldens",
    "Yella"
  ],
  "description": "Golden Perch, or 'Yellowbelly' as it's affectionately known across Australia's inland waterways, is a robust, muscular fish built for endurance. Its body is deep and laterally compressed, typically displaying a rich golden-olive hue on the back and flanks, fading to a striking yellow or whitish-yellow belly—the source of its most famous alias. They can grow impressively large for an Australian freshwater perch, with trophy fish exceeding 60 cm (24 inches) and pushing 20 kg (44 lbs), though a typical catch is in the 2-5 kg range. Anglers will recognize its distinctive profile: a curved dorsal line, a slightly concave forehead, and a mouth that hints at its predatory nature.",
  "imageUrl": "https://media.meridiaoutdoors.com/media/species/golden-perch/main.webp",
  "hero": {
    "blurhash": "U[Q9o,jEt9t7RjWVt7j@.AogoIoz-;oLWCof",
    "altText": "Golden Perch (Macquaria ambigua) watercolor",
    "caption": "Golden Perch, or 'Yellowbelly' as it's affectionately known across Australia's inland waterways, is a robust, muscular fish built for endurance.",
    "width": 2400,
    "height": 1340
  },
  "phases": [
    {
      "id": "2b74f15b-5680-4cc0-89f2-7a2833627543",
      "name": "Adult",
      "slug": "adult",
      "description": "The Golden Perch is a formidable predator in Australia's inland rivers and dams, patrolling deep pools and channels in search of prey. This phase represents the fish in its prime, actively feeding and growing throughout the year, with anglers targeting them for their powerful fights and impressive size potential.",
      "appearance": "Deep, laterally compressed body with a robust, muscular build. Back and flanks are a rich golden-olive to bronze color, often with a subtle greenish or brownish tinge. Belly is a striking yellow to whitish-yellow, giving the fish its 'Yellowbelly' nickname. Fins are generally dusky or olive-colored, with the tail fin slightly forked. Head features a slightly concave forehead and a terminal mouth suited for predation. Scales are medium-sized and prominent. Size ranges from 30-60 cm (12-24 inches) typically, with trophy fish exceeding 60 cm and up to 20 kg (44 lbs). No dramatic sexual dimorphism in appearance outside of spawning.",
      "triggers": null,
      "habitat": "Inland rivers, streams, and dams across eastern Australia, preferring deep pools, channels, and areas with structure like logs or rock bars. Often found in slow-moving or still waters.",
      "anglersNote": "This is the primary phase targeted by anglers, prized for its strong fight and potential as a trophy catch, especially in larger dams and rivers.",
      "displayOrder": 0,
      "imageUrl": null,
      "media": null
    }
  ],
  "contentUpdatedAt": "2026-05-09T22:32:13.111Z"
}

[]

[]

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  "title": null,
  "description": "Golden Perch, also known as Yellowbelly, are robust freshwater predators found in eastern Australia's rivers and dams. Learn about this popular angling target.",
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  "ogDescription": "Meet the Golden Perch, or Yellowbelly, a muscular freshwater fish prized by anglers across eastern Australia. Discover its habitat and why it's a trophy catch.",
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    "macquaria ambigua",
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    "yellowbelly",
    "callop",
    "murray perch",
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    "goldens",
    "yella"
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