Redfin Perch (Perca fluviatilis)

Redfin perch or European perch as it is sometimes known is a predatory invasive species of perch. Native to Europe and Asia, it has been introduced to a wide variety of ecosystems in countries like New Zealand, South Africa and Australia (DPI, 2014). Where it has caused substantial damage to native fish species and has been classified as a class 1 noxious species in New South Wales (DPI, 2014).

A Redfin Perch (Perca fluviatilis).

Source: http://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/fisheries/pests-diseases/freshwater-pests/species/redfin-perch, accessed on the 28th of May 2014.

Redfin perch can be distinguished by their greenish colour, vertical bars across their sides and bright red pelvic, anal and caudal fins (Freyhof & Kottelat, 2008). They can live up to 22 years and the largest recorded length of a European perch was 60cm (DPI, 2014). The Redfin perch spawns between April and May with the eggs being deposited on water plants, they have been observed to attach to wading birds who then transport them to different waters (Freyhof & Kottelat, 2008).

A recently caught Redfin Perch (Perca fluviatilis).

Source: http://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/fisheries/pests-diseases/freshwater-pests/species/redfin-perch, accessed on the 28th of May 2014.

The Redfin perch was first introduced into Australia in the 1860's, for sport for homesick brits. They are now widespread throughout most of southern Australia (DPI, 2014). They are a voracious predator of other species of fish and invertebrates, they can devastate native fish population by infecting them with the epizootic haematopoitic necrosis virus (EHN) (DPI, 2014).

The Native and Invasive Distributions of Redfin Perch.

Source:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/64/Perca_fluviatilis_distribution_map.png, accessed on the 28th of May 2014.

An example of the ability of Redfin perch to devastate a native species fish populations, occurred when 20,000 newly released rainbow trouts were eliminated within 72 hours of there first release (DPI, 2014). Unfortunately due to there widespread dispersal throughout southern Australia it is nearly impossible to completely eradicate this species without causing harm to native species (DPI, 2014).

References:

Freyhof, J. & Kottelate, M. (2008). Perca fluviatilis. IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. International Union for Conservation of Nature.

Redfin Perch (Perca fluviatilis). Department of Primary Industry NSW. 2014 [Online]. http://www.dpi.gov.au/fisheries/pests-diseases/freshwater-pests/species/redfin-perch. Accessed on the 28th of May 2014.