The Perch (Perca fluviatilis)

Scientific Name of The Perch: Perca fluviatilis
Maximum Weight: 7lb (3.2kg)
Maximum Length: 20in (50cm)
Average Size Caught: 6-8oz (170-228kg)
Life Span: 13 Years

The Perch is a predatory fish. Young Perch feed on tiny crustacea and insect larvae such as Bloodworm. When the Perch reaches around four ounces it will switch to a mainly fish diet consisting of fry. When they reach around 1-2lb they will take prey around 1-2oz. The best bait to catch perch is the Worm. When you catch a Perch care must be taken when handling them. They have a spiny dorsal fin this is not poisonous but it is very sharp. To get the fin down gently push the dorsal fin from head to tail. The fin will then go down. Perch usually spawn between March and June. The female can lay as many as 300,000 eggs. Which will begin to hatch about one week after fertilisation