Southern saratoga

Scleropages leichardti

Orange-pink scale dots and a straighter head profile

Silvery brown-olive sides carry one or two orange-pink dots on many scales.

Adult length: About 55 cm (standard length, without the tail fin)
Water temperature: 24–30 °C

Natural habitat: Inhabits still water and slow stream reaches, usually near the surface or shoreline vegetation.

A large territorial fish.

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Appearance and identification

Native to Queensland’s Fitzroy system; southern relative to the other Australian saratoga. Central scale dots and a straighter profile contrast with northern crescent marks.

Adult space

Adult turning room is essential.

Diet and feeding

Wild prey include insects, small fish and crustaceans.

Same-species behaviour

Expect conflict between conspecifics.

Compatibility limits

Watch for territorial conflict and plan for separation if needed.

Sources

fishesofaustralia.net.au ↗ 2026-10-22

www.fishbase.se ↗ 2026-10-25

www.aquariumglaser.de ↗ 2026-10-22

researcharchive.calacademy.org ↗ 2026-10-22