European perch

European perch (Perca fluviatilis) is a species of perch found in Europe and Asia. This species is typically greenish in color with dark vertical bars on its sides with a red or orange coloring in the tips of its fins. The European perch has been widely introduced, with established populations in Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa.

Description

The European perch is a predatory species of perch. It is usually greenish, with dark vertical bars on its sides. The first dorsal fin is greyish to black, while the other fins are red to orange. The perch can vary greatly in size, from a few centimeters to up to 60 cm in length.

Distribution and habitat

The European perch is found throughout Europe and Asia. It has also been introduced to other areas, including Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa. The perch prefers slow-flowing rivers and areas with vegetation where it can hide.

Diet

The diet of the European perch primarily consists of smaller fish, invertebrates, and insect larvae.

Reproduction

European perch spawn once a year in spring, laying their eggs on water plants where they stick in a gelatinous mass.

Threats and conservation

The European perch is not currently considered threatened, but it may be locally vulnerable due to pollution, habitat loss, and overfishing.

See also

• Perch
• Fish of Europe
• Fish of Asia

References

• European perch in natural habitat
  European perch in natural habitat
• Illustration of European perch from 1879
  Illustration of European perch from 1879
• Snake eating a fish
  Snake eating a fish
• Mastography of perch fingerlings for quality control
  Mastography of perch fingerlings for quality control
• Dish prepared with European perch
  Dish prepared with European perch
• Coat of arms of Bad Buchau
  Coat of arms of Bad Buchau