Perca fluviatilis (perch)
Index
- Pictures
- Identity
- Summary of Invasiveness
- Taxonomic Tree
- Description
- Distribution
- Distribution Table
- Introductions
- Habitat List
- Natural Food Sources
- Climate
- Air Temperature
- Water Tolerances
- Natural enemies
- Pathway Causes
- Pathway Vectors
- Impact Summary
- Environmental Impact
- Uses List
- Prevention and Control
- References
- Distribution Maps
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Top of pageIdentity
Top of pagePreferred Scientific Name
- Perca fluviatilis Linnaeus, 1758
Preferred Common Name
- perch
Other Scientific Names
- Perca fluviatilis aurea Smitt, 1892
- Perca fluviatilis gibba Smitt, 1892
- Perca fluviatilis gracilis Pokrovsky, 1951
- Perca fluviatilis intermedius Svetovidov and Dorofeyeva. 1963
- Perca fluviatilis macedonica Karaman, 1924
- Perca fluviatilis maculata Smitt, 1892
- Perca fluviatilis nigrescens Heckel, 1837
- Perca fluviatilis phragmiteti Berg, 1933
- Perca fluviatilis zaissanica Dianov, 1955
- Perca helvetica Gronow, 1854
- Perca italica Cuvier, 1828
- Perca vulgaris Schaeffer, 1761
- Perca vulgaris aurata Fitzinger, 1832
International Common Names
- English: Eurasian perch; European perch
- French: barsch; boyat; brell; cochonnet
- Russian: okun
Local Common Names
- Austria: flußbarsch
- Bulgaria: kostur
- Czech Republic: okoun ricni
- Denmark: aborre
- Finland: ahven
- Germany: bahrs; barsch; berse; bersich; egli
- Iceland: aborri
- Iran: bachen suf
- Ireland: an pheirse mhara
- Netherlands: baars
- Norway: abbor; åbor
- Romania: biban
- Sweden: abborre
Summary of Invasiveness
Top of pageSeveral countries have reported adverse ecological impacts after the introduction of P. fluviatilis (Froese and Pauly, 2011). One such example is in the Murray-Darling Basin, South Australia, where it is considered a threat to native fish species.
Taxonomic Tree
Top of page- Domain: Eukaryota
- Kingdom: Metazoa
- Phylum: Chordata
- Subphylum: Vertebrata
- Class: Actinopterygii
- Order: Perciformes
- Suborder: Percoidei
- Family: Percidae
- Genus: Perca
- Species: Perca fluviatilis
Description
Top of pageThe colour of the perch depends on the habitat in which they live. In shallow areas where light penetration is good, they tend to be darkly coloured whereas in poorly lit areas without vegetation they are lightly coloured. Carotenoids, derived from crustaceans in the diet, sometimes make them deeply reddish-yellow. The dorsal surface is usually bright green to olive which extends down the sides in seven tapering bars. The sides are yellow to yellow-green and the ventral surface grey to white. The eyes are green to yellow, as are the caudal and dorsal fins. The first spine of the dorsal fin is often black and the membrane between spines one and two and that between the last four or five spines is also blackish. The pectoral fins are amber and transparent whereas the pelvic and anal fins are silver-white to yellow and opaque. Some perch have been observed to be entirely black. Male perch have thicker skin than females for most of the year (Lindesjöö, 1994). Regardless of sex, the epidermis is thickest in the prespawning period whereas the dermis is thickest after spawning. The body feels rough to the touch as a result of low mucus production and the presence of ctenoid scales. There are 51-61 scales along the lateral line.
It is difficult to determine the sex from external appearances; the gravid female however is more rounded and the male expels milt on handling.
Adult perch can reach a maximum length of 51 cm and weight of 4.75 kg, average length being 35 cm and average weight 1.20 kg.
Distribution
Top of pageNative to Eurasia, P. fluviatilis has been widely introduced as a sport fish.
Distribution Table
Top of pageThe distribution in this summary table is based on all the information available. When several references are cited, they may give conflicting information on the status. Further details may be available for individual references in the Distribution Table Details section which can be selected by going to Generate Report.
Last updated: 10 Feb 2022Continent/Country/Region | Distribution | Last Reported | Origin | First Reported | Invasive | Reference | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Africa |
|||||||
Algeria | Present | Introduced | 2006 | ||||
Morocco | Present | Introduced | 1939 | ||||
South Africa | Present | Introduced | 1915 | ||||
Asia |
|||||||
Afghanistan | Present | Native | |||||
Armenia | Present | Native | |||||
Azerbaijan | Present | Native | |||||
China | Present | Introduced | First reported: 1960s | ||||
Georgia | Present | Native | |||||
Iran | Present | Native | |||||
Kazakhstan | Present | Native | |||||
Mongolia | Present | Native | |||||
Turkey | Present | Native | |||||
Uzbekistan | Present | Native | |||||
Europe |
|||||||
Albania | Present | Native | |||||
Austria | Present | Native | |||||
Belgium | Present | Native | |||||
Bosnia and Herzegovina | Present | Native | |||||
Bulgaria | Present | Native | |||||
Croatia | Present | Native | |||||
Cyprus | Present | Introduced | 1971 | ||||
Czechia | Present | Native | |||||
Denmark | Present | Native | |||||
Estonia | Present | Native | |||||
Finland | Present | Native | |||||
France | Present | Native | |||||
Germany | Present | Native | |||||
Greece | Present | Native | |||||
Hungary | Present | Native | |||||
Ireland | Present | Native | |||||
Italy | Present | Introduced | 1860 | ||||
Latvia | Present | Native | |||||
Liechtenstein | Present | Native | |||||
Lithuania | Present | Native | |||||
Luxembourg | Present | Native | |||||
Moldova | Present | Native | |||||
Montenegro | Present | Native | |||||
Netherlands | Present | Native | |||||
Norway | Present | Native | |||||
Poland | Present | Native | |||||
Portugal | Present | Introduced | 2015 | ||||
-Azores | Present | Introduced | Established | ||||
Romania | Present | Native | |||||
Russia | Present | Native | |||||
Serbia and Montenegro | Present | Native | |||||
Slovakia | Present | Native | |||||
Slovenia | Present | Native | |||||
Spain | Present | Introduced | 1975 | ||||
Sweden | Present | Native | |||||
Switzerland | Present | Native | |||||
Ukraine | Present | Native | |||||
United Kingdom | Present | Native | |||||
Oceania |
|||||||
Australia | Present | Introduced | |||||
-Tasmania | Present | Introduced | 1862 | ||||
New Zealand | Present | Introduced | 1867 |
Introductions
Top of pageIntroduced to | Introduced from | Year | Reason | Introduced by | Established in wild through | References | Notes | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Natural reproduction | Continuous restocking | |||||||
Australia | UK | 1868 | Hunting, angling, sport or racing (pathway cause) | Unknown | Yes | No | DIAS (2004) | |
China | 1970-1979 | Unknown | Yes | No | ||||
Cyprus | UK | 1971 | Hunting, angling, sport or racing (pathway cause) | Unknown | Yes | No | DIAS (2004) | |
Ireland | UK | 1700-1799 | Hunting, angling, sport or racing (pathway cause) | Individual | Yes | No | DIAS (2004) | |
Italy | 1860 | Unknown | Yes | No | ||||
Morocco | Switzerland | 1939 | Hunting, angling, sport or racing (pathway cause) | Unknown | Yes | No | DIAS (2004) | |
New Zealand | Australia | 1867 | Unknown | Yes | No | |||
South Africa | UK | 1915 | Hunting, angling, sport or racing (pathway cause) | Unknown | Yes | No | DIAS (2004) | |
Spain | Unknown | Yes | No | DIAS (2004) | ||||
Turkey | Aquaculture (pathway cause) | Unknown | No | Yes | DIAS (2004) |
Habitat List
Top of pageCategory | Sub-Category | Habitat | Presence | Status |
---|---|---|---|---|
Freshwater | ||||
Freshwater | Lakes | Present, no further details | ||
Freshwater | Rivers / streams | Present, no further details | ||
Freshwater | Ponds | Present, no further details | ||
Brackish | ||||
Brackish | Estuaries | Present, no further details |
Natural Food Sources
Top of pageClimate
Top of pageClimate | Status | Description | Remark |
---|---|---|---|
C - Temperate/Mesothermal climate | Preferred | Average temp. of coldest month > 0°C and < 18°C, mean warmest month > 10°C |
Air Temperature
Top of pageParameter | Lower limit | Upper limit |
---|---|---|
Mean maximum temperature of hottest month (ºC) | 31 |
Water Tolerances
Top of pageParameter | Minimum Value | Maximum Value | Typical Value | Status | Life Stage | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Depth (m b.s.l.) | 1 | 30 | 3-4 | Optimum | In the wild | |
Illumination (Lux illuminance) | 90 | 400 | Optimum | Larval | In aquaculture | |
Water pH (pH) | 7.0-7.5 | Optimum | In the wild | |||
Water temperature (ºC temperature) | >20 | Harmful | Larval | In aquaculture | ||
Water temperature (ºC temperature) | >20 | Harmful | Fry | In aquaculture | ||
Water temperature (ºC temperature) | 17 | 20 | Optimum | Larval | In aquaculture | |
Water temperature (ºC temperature) | 17 | 20 | Optimum | Fry | In aquaculture | |
Water temperature (ºC temperature) | 22 | 24 | Optimum | Adult | In aquaculture | |
Water temperature (ºC temperature) | 31.4 | 33.5 | Harmful | Adult | In aquaculture | |
Water temperature (ºC temperature) | 10 | 22 | Optimum | In the wild |
Natural enemies
Top of pageNatural enemy | Type | Life stages | Specificity | References | Biological control in | Biological control on |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Anguilla anguilla | Predator | Aquatic|Egg; Aquatic|Fry; Aquatic|Larval | Fishbase (2004) | |||
Esox lucius | Predator | Aquatic|Egg; Aquatic|Fry; Aquatic|Larval | Fishbase (2004) | |||
Lota lota | Predator | Aquatic|Egg; Aquatic|Fry; Aquatic|Larval | Fishbase (2004) | |||
Salmo trutta | Predator | Aquatic|Egg; Aquatic|Fry; Aquatic|Larval | Fishbase (2004) | |||
Sander lucioperca | Predator | Aquatic|Egg; Aquatic|Fry; Aquatic|Larval | Fishbase (2004) | |||
Silurus glanis | Predator | Aquatic|Egg; Aquatic|Fry; Aquatic|Larval | Fishbase (2004) |
Pathway Causes
Top of pageCause | Notes | Long Distance | Local | References |
---|---|---|---|---|
Stocking | May be stocked as a sport fish | Yes | Yes | ISSG (2011) |
Pathway Vectors
Top of pageVector | Notes | Long Distance | Local | References |
---|---|---|---|---|
Water | Swimming to new areas within a water body | Yes | ISSG (2011) |
Environmental Impact
Top of pageSeveral countries have reported adverse ecological impacts after the introduction of P. fluviatilis (Froese and Pauly, 2011). For further details see ISSG (2011).
Uses List
Top of pageGeneral
- Sport (hunting, shooting, fishing, racing)
- Sport fish
Human food and beverage
- Fresh meat
- Frozen meat
- Live product for human consumption
- Whole
Prevention and Control
Top of pageDue to the variable regulations around (de)registration of pesticides, your national list of registered pesticides or relevant authority should be consulted to determine which products are legally allowed for use in your country when considering chemical control. Pesticides should always be used in a lawful manner, consistent with the product's label.
For more information on the management of this species see ISSG (2011).
References
Top of pageAbi-Ayad SM, Melard C, Kestemont P, 1997. Effects of n-3 fatty acids in Eurasian perch broodstock diet on egg fatty acid composition and larvae stress resistance. Aquaculture International, 5:161-168
Craig JF, 1977. Seasonal changes in the day and night activity of adult perch, Perca fluviatilis L. Journal of Fish Biology, 11:161-166
Dabrowski K, Culver DA, Brooks CL, Voss AC, Binkowski FP, Yeo SE, Balogun AM, 1993. Biochemical aspects of the early life history of yellow perch (Perca flavescens). In: Kaushik SJ, Luquet P, eds. Fish nutrition in practice, 531-539
DAISIE, 2011. European Invasive Alien Species Gateway. http://www.europe-aliens.org/
DIAS, 2004. FAO Database on Introductions of Aquatic Species. Online at www.fao.org/figis/. Accessed 25 February 2005
Fabricius E, 1956. Hur abborren leker. Zoologist Revy, 18:48-55
Filatov GP, Duplakov SN, 1926. Materialen zur kenntuis der fische des Aral Sees. Bulletin de l’Universite de l’Asie Centrale, Tashkent, 24:203-230
Fiogbe ED, Kestemont P, Micha JC, Melard C, 1995. Comparative growth of Perca fluviatilis larvae fed with enriched or standard Artemia metanaupli, frozen Artemia nauplii or dry food. In: Larvi ‘95, Fish and Shellfish Larviculture Symposium. Lavens P, Jaspers E, Roelands I, eds. EAS Special Publication, 24:166-169
Fishbase, 2004. Species summary Entry for Perca fluviatilis. Main ref. Kottelat M, 1997. European freshwater fishes. Biologia 52, Suppl. 5:1-271. Online at www.fishbase.org. Accessed 25/02/2004
Froese R, Pauly D, 2011. FishBase. http://www.fishbase.org
Hergenrader GL, 1969. Spawning behaviour of perca flavescens in aquaria. Copeia, 1969:839-841
Kestemont P, Melard C, 2000. Aquaculture. In: Craig JF, ed. Percid fishes. London, UK: Blackwell Scientific Publishers, 191-224
Lindesjöö E, 1994. Temporal variation and sexual dimorphism of the skin of perch Perca fluviatilis L.: a morphological study. Journal of Applied Ichthyology, 10:154-166
Lindroth A, 1947. Time of activity of freshwater fish spermatozoa in relation to temperature. Zoologiska Bidrag fran Uppsala, 25:218-219
Melard C, Kestemont P, 1994. Diversification de la pisciculture en Region wallone. Mise au point de l’elevage intensif de nouvelles especes de consomnation et de repeuplement - cyprinides et percides. rapport de recherches a la region wallone, ULG, FUNDP, Belgium, March 1994
Tamazouzt L, 1995. L’alimentation artificielle de la perche, Perca fluviatilis, en milieux confines (eau recyclee, cage flottante). PhD thesis. Nancy, France: Universite H. Poincare
Xu XL, Fontaine P, Melard C, Kestemont P, 2000. Effects of different dietary fat levels on growth, feed efficiency, lipid composition and histological changes of Eurasian perch Perca fluviatilis. In: Aqua 2000, Nice: France, p. 758
Distribution References
CABI, Undated. CABI Compendium: Status as determined by CABI editor. Wallingford, UK: CABI
Fishbase, 2004. Species summary Entry for Perca fluviatilis. Main ref. Kottelat M, 1997. European freshwater fishes. In: Biologia, 52 (5) 1-271. http://www.fishbase.org
Froese R, Pauly D, 2011. FishBase. In: FishBase, http://www.fishbase.org
Distribution Maps
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