Do Hatchery-Reared Southern Pygmy Perch (<i>Nannoperca australis</i>) Develop Effective Survival Behaviour in a Soft-Release Site?

ABSTRACT: The captive breeding and release of threatened small-bodied freshwater fish is a common conservation method, yet many of these fish lack the behavioural profile to survive in the wild. Soft-release sites that provide wild-like experiences with minimal threat to survival can improve post-release outcomes. Here, we investigated whether captive-bred first generation Southern pygmy perch (Nannoperca australis) exposed to six months of soft-release experience develop natural behaviour. In laboratory tests, we compared the behaviour of fish from a hatchery, a soft-release site, or the wild in emergence, exploration, habitat choice, predator response, and novel food tests. As predicted, we found that fish from the soft-release site showed similar behavioural responses to wild-caught fish.

SUBMITTER: King J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12466502 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature