Scottish Coarse Fish Species - Perch
Latin Name - Perca Fluviatilis
One of Scotland's most common and popular fishes, the Perch has to be the first fish caught by a great many young Scottish anglers. The fact that the Perch is so widespread, prolific and easy to catch has lead to an unfortunate disregard for it's value. If you put that aside they provide great sport and Scotland is home to many lochs containing huge specimens. Every year fish of over 4lb are taken all over Scotland, often by game anglers, and anyone targetting the big lochs must have a great chance of a magnificent 5 pounder.
Scottish Record -
| 4 lb 14oz | 2.210 kg | Loch Ard | J. Walker | 1989 |
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Weight
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Rarely 1.8kg (4lb), very few over 2.3kg(5lb). |
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Length
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Rarely exceed 40cm |
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Age
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Maximum 10 years. |
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Location
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Rivers, canals, drains and lakes. |
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Behaviour
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Shoaling in young fish, adults form small groups. |
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Preferred habitat
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Dense weed. |
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Feeding
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Active in the summer. Dependent on light and cover. |
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Natural food
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Insects, small fish (Roach, Bleak, Perch, Minnow). |
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Maturity
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Males 2-4 years, females 4-6 years. |
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Fecundity
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10,000-200,000 eggs per female. |
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Spawning times
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April-May,8.5-13.5°C, eggs in 1m "ribbons". |
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Spawning
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Dense submerged weed. |
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Migratory habits
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Can migrate large distances. |