Perch
Scientific name: Perca fluviatilis
Maximum weight: 7lb (3.2kg)
Average weight: 6-8oz (170-228g)
Maximum length: 20in (50cm)
Life-span: 13 years
British Record perch: 5ld 9oz (2.523kg), 1985 by J Shayler at a private lake in Kent.
The perch is a stripy predator which, when young will attack anything small enough to fit in it’s mouth. As perch grow older they become a lot more cautious, making a specimen perch harder to catch. Its unique looks make it easily recognisable. Its body is green with six or seven black stripes, this colouring is excellent camouflage in its underwater jungle of weeds and reeds. It’s not a fast swimmer like the pike but it can cruise a reasonable speed for long periods.
Perch Feeding Habits
Perch are hunters, preying on other species. The fry feed on water fleas and other tiny crustaceans but they soon graduate to insect larvae such as bloodworms. If small enough fish are available, perch switch to a mainly fish diet when they weigh about 113g (4oz). Young perch hunt in schools, lying in wait among water plants until small fish such as bleak or roach stray too close. The school then sets off in pursuit, harrying the quarry until it is too tired to swim further. Perch catch their prey by biting the tail repeatedly from behind and below to restrict swimming. Characteristically the perch always captures and swallows its prey tail first.
