European perch (Perca fluviatilis)

Scientific name: Perca fluviatilis Linnaeus, 1758

The European perch (Perca fluviatilis) is a freshwater fish of the family Percidae. In the aquarium it needs water at 10–22°C (50–72°F).

European perch care at a glance

Temperature: 10–22°C (50–72°F)

Biology

Inhabits a very wide range of habitats from estuarine lagoons, lakes of all types to medium-sized streams. Feeding larvae occur in open water. This is an opportunistic diurnal feeder which preys mainly during sunrise and sunset, using all available prey. Larvae and small juveniles usually feed on planktonic invertebrates. During first summer, many juveniles move near shores to feed on benthic prey. Often feeds on fishes at about 12 cm SL. May undertake short spawning migrations. Males attain first sexual maturity at 1-2 years and females at 2-4 years of age. Spawns in February-July. Eggs grouped in long white ribbons (up to 1 m) are found over submerged objects. Its flesh is excellent and not so bony. Utilized fresh and frozen; eaten pan-fried and baked. May be captured with natural or artificial bait.

Source: FishBase, licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

Species facts

Scientific name: Perca fluviatilis
Family: Percidae (Perches)
Order: Perciformes (Perch-like fish)
Class: Actinopterygii (Ray-finned fishes)
Maximum length: 60.0
Common length: 25.0
Depth range: 1–30 m (3–98 ft)
Environment: Freshwater; brackish;; pH range: 7.0 - 7.5; dH range: 8 - 12 demersal; anadromous; depth range 1 - 30 m, usually 3 - 4 m
Climate: Temperate
Distribution: Eurasia: throughtout Europe to northernmost extremity of Scandinavia, except Iberian Peninsula, central Italy, and Adriatic basin; Aegean Sea basin in Matriza and from Struma to Aliakmon drainages; Aral Sea basin; Siberia in rivers draining the Arctic Ocean eastward to Kolyma. Widely introduced. Several countries report adverse ecological impact after introduction.
Conservation status (IUCN): Least Concern (LC)
Threat to humans: Potential pest
Uses: Fisheries: highly commercial; aquaculture: commercial; gamefish: yes
Resilience: Medium, minimum population doubling time 1.4 - 4.4 years (K=0.1-0.17; tm=2-3; tmax=22; Fec=15,000)

Sources

Taxonomy, distribution and biology data: FishBase (Froese, R. and D. Pauly, eds.), licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

Last updated 27 September 2026