Fish Species

 - Redfish perch

Redfish perch, Perca fluvitalis 

This fish  is silvery olive in colour and has paired anal fins that are orange to red in colour. The Redfin perch have a spiny first dorsal, soft second fin and moderately deep body.  They have a relatively large mouth that extends to the rear of the eye and grow to the maximum size of 50 cm. 

This species was introduced into Australia from Europe by in the 1860’s, and is now widespread in south-eastern Australia, including Tasmania and south Australia. This species have also been found in the Collie, Capel, Margaret, Blackwood, Donnelly and warren river catchments. They are a useful to recreational fishermen in some areas of south-western Australia. 

 They feed predominantly on planktonic crustaceans, while larger fish feed mainly on benthos invertebrates. They compete with native fish for these resources and importantly Redfin perch of all sizes feed on these endemic teleosts.  

This species spawns in winter and spring in south-western Australia.

The species of the Redfin Perch has become a pest to native species as they have to compete against it for food. The western Australian fisheries department requests that if captured this species should not be returned to the water.  

Last Updated: March 15, 2012