JADE PERCH

AAQ members can supply quality jade perch table size and fingerlings.

Table size fish can be supplied live, or whole on ice. Fingerlings can be delivered almost anywhere in the world.

Our members operate under under a strict enviromental code of practice., and hatcheries are regularly audited under the hatchery code of practice.

The marketing name, "JADE perch" was chosen because of the distinctive greenish, (JADE) colour displayed by the fish as the light catches the scales on the dorasl area . The name was chosen by three of the worlds first pioneer growers of Australian JADE perch while sitting around the kitchen table of the, president for the Aquaculture Association of Queensland Inc., Bruce Sambell. (The Perch Man.) The common, local name, was Barcoo Grunter, which does not sound as pleasant as JADE perch.

Jade perch have developed in to an important new aquaculture species in Australia. It has also found acceptance in many other countries, especially throughout Asia. It's extraordinarily high omega-3 levels has made it a healthy and popular table fish in these countries.They eat very well and have a firmer, slightly flaky flesh. They grow extremely fast and are highly suited for aquaculture in areas with a moderate sub tropical to tropical climate. They are also proving to be a good species for recirculating aquaculture systems. (RAS)

The “Jade” colour is along the  top of the fish.

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Way back in 1998 of over 200 seafoods tested by the CSIRO Jade Perch contained the highest levels of omega-3.
The second highest was the Swordfish, 1,667 milligrams of the good oil to every 100 grams.
Australian JADE Perch, from Queensland contained an incredible 2483 mg/100gm of omega-3 oils.

The fish come from a very hostile environment. Fish in Australian rivers must be able to cope well with the “feast and famine” nature of many of the river systems in Australia. These rivers can be dry for months, even years. Large water holes are the surviving refuge for many species of Australian native fishes, especially JADE perch. The fish in these water holes predate on each other for survival. After flooding the natural food supply for these fish is abundant. This glut of food is a contrast in the extreme compared to a drought situation where the fish will find getting a feed very difficult. Also during the cooler water temperatures experienced in winter (usually the dry season) the fish are less active and probably rarely feed. The stored fat will be used to help the fish survive in these situations. In aquaculture, fish are grown in an artificial environment such as a commercial fish pond or a RAS. They are in fact being kept in a “feast” situation. The fish grow rapidly and store fat as quick as they can, to be ready for the “famine”, which never comes in a controled aquaculture situation.

Below left: This is one of the permanent water holes on the Barcoo River. Below right: Barcoo River central Queensland.

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