MEMBERS AREA of this web site "MEMBERSHIP"
Technical Information "Client area"
Website updated April 16th 2026
If you are thinking of farming fish start here
The PERCH MAN ABN 42 065 149 145
Three service levels - Scroll down for all details
I sold my farm after 35 years.
I am not interested in waiting around for my “heart attack” I’d rather keep active, "while I wait.”
Now I am keen to help others develop Australian native freshwater fish farms and hatchery procedures.
I am very actively involved in consulting, which really means I am an active "teacher" of the things I learned when I developed my farm from 200 acres of bush land into the largest farm of its type in Australia.
Formally known as Ausyfish, now Aussie Fish Aquatics.
I don't really have the time available for those who are not in a position to develop into serious producers.
However, for those who are serious, and actually have the potential to succeed, I am very keen to pass on skills and tricks I learned and discovered during the development of some of Australia’s freshwater fish into commercial species.
I am still selling fish to anyone interested in growing them as a hobby, (Small quantities only for Australian customers.) and to those that want commercial quantities, especially export markets.
Do you know the difference between a good and a bad consultant?
A bad consultant claims to know everything.
A good consultant knows, he does not know everything, but he knows where to get accurate information for you.
I am often referred to as the Jade Perch Man, or Perch Man.
I am the founder and designer of Ausyfish- air view above.
I have been involved with fish at a commercial level for almost 50 years.
First as a retailer of ornamental fish, managing a retail outlet in Melbourne for the largest retail aquarium chain store company in Australia.
Then as a retailer, importer and wholesaler of ornamental fish, in Sydney.
Three retail outlets in Sydney, plus a quarantine facility for importing fish, and a wholesale holding facility.
Also a retail outlet in Hervey Bay Queensland and another retail outlet in Tweed Heads, NSW.
My role as industry consultant has given me real cross sector experience at many levels.
Sound advice is available to existing industry participants and those considering entering Australian native freshwater finfish aquaculture.
I gained considerable experience over the years as the commercial development of Australian native freshwater fish industry evolved in Australia.
I was the first to breed many species, including sleepy codfreshwater archer fishand a number of Australian native freshwater fish.
I mass produced many species including, silver perch Australian rainbow fishcoal grunterAustralian bassand Murray cod
I also produced many varieties of exotic ornamental fish
I was the second hatchery in the world to ever spawn jade perch
In the winter of 1988 I was a member of the very first expedition to central Australia to collect the first ever jade perch for breeding.
I have now been spawning them for more spawning seasons, than anyone currently in the industry.
I was the founding president of the Aquaculture Association of Queensland Inc(AAQ) (For about 20 years.)
I was also Vice President of the Queensland Aquaculture Industries Federation Inc., (QAIF) for over 3 years.
I sat on the committee of QAIF for over 14 years.
I also sat on a number of Government bodies as an industry consultant, including the Queensland Department of State Development and Innovation's Aquaculture Reference Group, the Queensland Freshwater Management Advisory Committee, the Translocation Sub-Committee for freshwater fish, and Queensland's Stocked Impoundment Permit Scheme Sub-Committee.
(An advisory body for stocking freshwater fish in lakes and rivers throughout Queensland for recreational anglers.)
He was also the industry "food safety" representative for a number of years.
As part of my role as industry leader I coordinated many major aquaculture conferences and training workshops.
I also sat on several regional advisory bodies, including, the Fisheries Regional Development Committee for Hervey Bay and the Fisheries Regional Development Committee, Bundaberg.
Why is this website here ?
A long time ago two of my best friends and mentors said that I should write a book. (Thanks John and Rick.)
However, I could not think of anything so boring, as "writing a book."
Especially these days with this new fangled thing called the internet.
The other problem with books is that new information can't be added to it once it's "on the shelf".
But this internet . . . wow, you can just add to, or delete/change information as it becomes available.
That's exactly what I do here. (Last updated March 18th 2026)
THIS . . . is MY BOOK.
Also, with this new internet thing, you can include high quality pictures and VIDEO !
My hobby since I was a child has been photography, and making movies. Now called "videography."
Well I am certainly not an expert but I do enjoy making videos, so I put it all together, on YouTube(and my webpages.)
Some of the videos are not public and can only be viewed by subscribing to the members area of this websiteand some of the videos are private, "Premium Client Videos."
Those videos are only available when a fee is paid.
If you look at a play list and see the number of videos listed, but when you count them, there are less videos showing.
This is because the "private" videos are not showing.
For example, the sleepy cod play list shows that there are 14 videos, but you only count 13.
The missing video is a 23 minute private video.
To view a private video I must approve your email address with YouTube.
YouTube will then send you an email with a link, and an invitation to view.
Most of what you will see is from my personal research and proven commercial practices.
It was also all happening as the commercial aquaculture of Australian species was developing.
I worked in partnership with the scientists as they developed the practices that are used today.
This was over decades of real scientific research and commercial experience and understanding of the Australian species.
How these fish actually work in nature has been the absolute key to my success.
For example, I see so many people try to figure out how to spawn these species and try to take short cuts and get the fish to do things they are not "designed" to do.
I'm not saying they are wrong.
The only way to develop something new is to try different things. I also did this.
People should continue to try different things.
That's how innovation happens. But without FIRST being successful in the normal way, the way the fish are "designed" for, success will always be delayed.
Yes, you might win the lottery, (Biological lottery) but that's just luck.
A true professional doesn't gamble. He is a builder.
Building on what is known to work first. Then try different ways.
That's how to make a successful business.
I have to admit, I have found it frustrating to have shown people how things DO WORK, only to come back later and hear they are failing. BUT they are not doing what I showed them.
Yes indeed, very frustrating.
Anyway, I hope I can pass on to you some useful tips and practices that will help you succeed.
Because you have already read this much, perhaps you are already in the business, or plan to be.
To access the members area of this website email me directly: bruce @ the perch man .com
Once you have signed up you will notice that the "membership" button on the menu bar now has a "Technical Information" drop down.
Just click on Technical Information, and you are in.
In the members area you can find information like this . . .
Exactly how to breed jade perch, silver perch, and sleepy cod.
How to get good egg production from female Australian perch
Why your fish look fat and full of eggs, but fail to breed
New webpage about keeping otters out of fish ponds
Pond design page up-dated extra information has been added
Liming fish pond (video)
Packing trial adult jade perch
Unpacking adult jade perch
New webpages about water quality
How to determine the stocking density for a commercial jade perch pond
RAS - Recirculating Aquaculture System
RAS with flow-through good or bad?
Pond compared to a RAS growing system.
Freshwater fish have a muddy or earthy taste
Click to see Unlisted video about aquaculture raceways to grow fish
Click to download Jade Perch Description and History PDF
Link to new "unlisted" video about Understanding The Habitat
New "private" video on Conditioning and Handling Brood Fish.
New private video on Male and Female Hormone Induction
New "private" video on Good Eggs and Bad Eggs.
New "private" video on Spawning Equipment For Jade and Silver Perch In Detail
Click on this link for a sample of the videos to be found inside the client area. Jade Perch Video Premium Client Service is level 3. Click for details
Looks like you are interested in becoming a fish farmer.
Many people have entered aquaculture without realising they are starting a business.
It’s not just a “side line”, it’s a business on its own. You need to consider; do you have the time to manage a new business?
Do you have the necessary skills to grow fish?
Do you have the time and commitment to learn a new skill?
OTHER SPECIES
Click the picture for video - Low altitude passes over Barcoo River - with surprise ending
