Animal Species:Redfin, Perca fluviatilis Linnaeus, 1758

The Redfin was introduced to Australia from Europe around 1860. Since that time it has become widespread throughout much of New South Wales and Victoria.

Redfin, Perca fluviatilis

Redfin, Perca fluviatilis
Sascha Schulz © Sascha Schulz

Alternative Name/s

Redfin Perch, English Perch, European Perch, Reddie

Identification

The Redfin can be recognised by its pattern of six or more tapering bands on the sides of the body, a distinct black blotch at the rear of the first dorsal fin, and red pelvic, anal and caudal fins. It has a humped back behind the head, a large mouth, a slightly forked caudal fin, and two dorsal fins, the first with 13-17 strong spines.

Size range

Much of the Australian popular literature gives a maximum size of 60 cm and weight 10.4 kg. This appears to be anecdotal with no official figures indicating that the species grows this large. Redfin commonly grow to 40 cm to 45 cm in length and weights of 1 kg to 2 kg.

Distribution

In Australia it is recorded from New South Wales, Victoria, south-eastern South Australia, Tasmania and south-western Western Australia.

The map below shows the Australian distribution of the species based on public sightings and specimens in Australian Museums.  Source: Atlas of Living Australia.

Perca fluviatilis

Distribution by collection data

Ozcam map of Redfin specimens in the Australian Museums.

What does this mean?

Habitat

It is usually found in still and slow flowing freshwaters.

Feeding and Diet

Food items include crustaceans, worms, molluscs, insect larvae and smaller fishes.

Classification

Species:
fluviatilis
Genus:
Perca
Family:
Percidae
Order:
Perciformes
Class:
Actinopterygii
Subphylum:
Vertebrata
Phylum:
Chordata
Kingdom:
Animalia

What does this mean?

References

  1. Allen, G.R. 1989. Freshwater Fishes of Australia. T.F.H. Publications. Pp. 240.
  2. Allen, G.R., Midgley, S.H. & M. Allen. 2002. Field Guide to the Freshwater Fishes of Australia. Western Australian Museum. Pp. 394.
  3. Hoese, D.F., Bray, D.J., Paxton, J.R. & G.R. Allen. 2006. Fishes. In Beesley, P.L. & A. Wells. (eds) Zoological Catalogue of Australia. Volume 35. ABRS & CSIRO Publishing: Australia. parts 1-3, pages 1-2178. McDowall, R.M. 1996. Freshwater Fishes of South-Eastern Australia. Reed Books. Pp. 247.
  4. Merrick, J.R. & G.E. Schmida. 1984. Australian Freshwater Fishes. Biology and Management. John R. Merrick. Pp. 409.


Mark McGrouther , Collection Manager, Ichthyology
Last Updated:

Tags fishes, ichthyology, Redfin, Perca fluviatilis, Percidae, introduced species, Redfin Perch, English Perch, European Perch, Reddie, complex pattern, stripes or bands, blotches/mottled, red fins, humped back, large mouth, 30 cm - 1 m, slow flowing freshwater, freshwater,