Nature table: Perch

The European perch is a freshwater fish that is widespread in Irish lakes, ponds, canals, and rivers, though it tends to be absent at high altitudes and in very fast-flowing rivers.

Many sources describe it as a species that was introduced at some time after the 12th century, but there’s no evidence for this and genetic studies may prove it to be native.

It’s a predator, with larger specimens eating small fish, including other perch, and smaller ones aquatic invertebrates.