Small family containing small to medium sized fishes. Characterised by two dorsal fins, stout, firmly attached ctenoid scales. This group of introduced species is closely related to the native families Apogonidae and Lutjanidae. It is acknowledged as an angling species, and was first introduced in 1862 with its first release in south-eastern Australia. Native to cool-temperate freshwaters in the Northern Hemisphere, in eastern North America, Europe, Siberia. Some North American species are found in the temperate to subtropical southen states.
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(R.H.Kuiter)
Other names: Redfin perch, English perch.
Description: Moderate-sized, deep bodied, robust fish, with back humped behind head. Two almost separate dorsal fins the first high and rounded. Tail slightly forked. Anal fin (8-10); pectoral fins smaller and lateral (14 rays); Pelvic fin thoracic. Large head, large mouth reaching well below eyes. Large scales (58-68 along lateral line); vertebrae 39-41; gillrakers 22-25. Usually reaches 400-450 mm in length and weights from 1-2 kg.
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Distribution: The European perch or redfin is widespread, but patchily distributed throughout eastern Australia in cooler waters on either side of the Great Dividing Range. It is also found in central and southern New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, Tasmania and the south-west corner of Western Australia in the Collie River.
Natural History: Shipped from Europe this species was introduced into Tasmania in 1862 and into Victoria in 1868 as a sport and table fish. Natural range includes the whole of western and eastern Europe into subantarctic Siberia.
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