The Oxleyan pygmy perch Nannoperca oxleyana is a small freshwater fish endemic to the coastal lowlands of central-eastern Australia. The species is currently listed as endangered at an international, national and state level. Detailed species’ specific information is required to assist in planning and implementing effective conservation management programs for N. oxleyana. An overview is provided on PhD research into several poorly understood aspects of the species’ conservation biology. Aspects discussed include the evaluation of appropriate methodologies for sampling the species, and the species’ distribution and habitat associations, genetic population structuring, reproductive biology and early development. The results of this research have important implications for the conservation of N. oxleyana in Australia. A number of management recommendations proposed.