Perch (Perca fluviatilis)
The perch is one of the most abundant of European fish and is characterized by its oblong body, which is flattened at the sides and has two dorsal fins (the first strongly spiny) and ctcnoid scales. The top half of the ,body is a dark grey to blue or olive green, the belly is lighter. It has 6 to 9 dark transverse stripes on its sides. On the back edge of the first dorsal fin there is a black spot, whilst the pelvic and anal fins arc red. It grows to a length of 30 to 50 cm and averages a weight of 1 to 2 kg, although in exceptional conditions this rises up to 5 kg. It lives in both flowing and stagnant waters, but especially likes to linger in creeks close to banks overgrown with water vegetation in the middle and lower river reaches, in old water ways, in ponds, lakes and lowland reservoirs. It usually remains near the river bed. and spawns between April and May. Its eggs are laid and fertilized in long strips which arc wrapped round the remains of water plants and submerged tree branches. These strips of spawn are often 1 to 2 m long and 1 to 2 cm wide.
Young perch usually form small schools, but older fish are much more isolated and independent. Perch living in 'enclosed waters frequently over- multiply to such an extent that they squeeze out other fish species and they themselves become stunted individually. They feed on aquatic invertebrates and small fishes, although older and larger perch live exclusively on fish.
It is found all over Europe with the exception of Scotland, the Iberian peninsula, Italy, the western Balkans, the Crimea and northern Norway. It is closely related to the North American yellow perch (Pereaflavescens).
Maximum size and weight:
60 cm, 5 kg.
Identifying characteristics :
A black spot at end of first dorsal fin and 6-9 dark transverse stripes on sides. Pelvic and anal fins recklish.
