- published: 11 Jun 2008
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Perca fluviatilis, commonly known as the European perch, is a predatory species of perch found in Europe and Asia. In some areas it is known as the redfin perch or English perch, and it is often known simply as perch. The species is a popular quarry for anglers and has been widely introduced beyond its native area, into Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa. They have caused substantial damage to native fish populations in Australia.
European perch are greenish with red pelvic, anal and caudal fins. They have five to nine dark vertical bars on their sides.
European perch can vary greatly in size between bodies of water. Perch can live for up to 22 years, and older perch are often much larger than average; the maximum recorded length is 60 cm (24 in). The British record is 2.8 kg (6 lb 2 oz), but they grow larger in mainland Europe than in Britain, and to as much as 9 kilograms (20 lb) in Australia.[Full citation needed] As at Nov 2010 the official all tackle world record stands at 1.5 kg (3 lb 5 oz)[clarification needed] although individual records from various areas record larger fish.