How does it look?

The European perch boasts a relatively high and laterally compressed body covered in ctenoid scales. In larger specimens, a distinct hump develops just behind the head. Its mouth is equipped with small, forward-directed, sharp teeth. The coloration consists of greenish-brown on the back, greenish-yellow on the sides, and a yellow or white belly. Dark crossbars, numbering 5-9, adorn the sides. Two dorsal fins are present, with the first having sharp rays and a distinctive black spot at its end. The pelvic fin, anal fin, and tail fin exhibit reddish or orange hues. Depending on the water body, perch can vary in size, with the largest individuals reaching up to 40 cm in length and weighing up to 1.5 kg.

Where does it live?

Perch is a prevalent freshwater fish species, inhabiting numerous rivers and lakes. It is typically absent from small, heavily overgrown, and enclosed lakes where oxygen levels may become insufficient during winter.

What does it eat?

Perch is a predatory fish that preys on various small fish, including minnows, sticklebacks, and perch fry. Smaller perch primarily feed on zooplankton.

Interesting and important facts

In Latvia, the oldest recorded perch lived to be 15 years old. Perch reaches reproductive maturity between the ages of 1-7, typically when they reach a length of 5-22 cm. During one spawning period, a female perch can produce 1.000 to 900.000 eggs. In Latvia, perch spawning usually occurs from April to June.

Information sources: https://www.latvijasdaba.lv, Wikipedia

Image author: Anastasija Ovsepjana