Perch ©Jack Perks
Perch
With tiger-like stripes, red fins and a humped back, the perch is a striking fish. It can be seen in lowland waterbodies and waterways across the UK, often in shoals.
Scientific name
Perca fluviatilisWhen to see
January to DecemberSpecies information
Statistics
Length: up to 25cmWeight: up to 2.8kg
Average Lifespan: 10-12 years
Common.
Habitats
About
The perch is a medium-sized fish with a characteristic humped shape. A predator, the perch feeds on invertebrates, crayfish and other fish. It lives in large ponds, lakes, reservoirs, canals and lowland rivers, and is often seen in shoals. Spawning takes place in April; the females produce sticky bands of eggs which they wrap around vegetation and rocks, ready for the male to fertilise them. After about three weeks, the young hatch and feed on the yolk sac until it is finished.How to identify
The perch is a greenish fish with dark, tiger stripes, a large, spiny dorsal fin, red pectoral and anal fins, and a red tail.Distribution
Found throughout the country, but rarer in northern Scotland.In our area
In the Isle of Man, perch are non-native but known to be present in low numbers.
Did you know?
Female perch may lay up to 300,000 eggs.In the Isle of Man, perch are non-native but known to be present in low numbers.