Perch (Egli) approx. 6-9cm

Please note that we do not ship fish by post. All fish must be collected from us in Oberweningen. We will pack the fish professionally for you and ensure sufficient oxygenation. This means that even longer transports can be managed without problems. Our staff will also be happy to inform you about transportation and the correct introduction of the fish into your pond.

Origin and Appearance
The European perch, also simply called perch or Egli in Switzerland, can be found throughout Europe in various bodies of water. It is the most common species of perch and has the widest distribution of its genus.

Typical characteristics of the perch are its divided dorsal fin and the reddish coloring of the pelvic and pectoral fins. The perch has spiky spines on both its dorsal fins and its anal fin. The gill covers taper to a point at the back and have a thorn. The perch is colored grey-yellow-brown-greenish and has 6 - 8 vertical, black stripes. It has a large, slightly superior mouth set with small, pointed teeth, which indicates that it is predatory and feeds on small fish.

On average, perch grow to 20 - 40 cm in length and weigh 50 - 350 g, depending on the food supply in the respective region. However, there are exceptional specimens that can reach 60 cm and weigh up to 5 kg. Perch grow rather slowly; on average, they are only 25 cm long at 8 years old. Under good conditions, they can live for up to 20 years.

The larvae of the European perch first feed on plankton, later becoming predators and feeding on small fish (predominantly cyprinids); in some cases, they are also cannibalistic.

The European perch is very adaptable, which is why it is found almost everywhere in Europe. Whether in large lakes, rivers, streams, or sometimes even in brackish water. However, it avoids heavily silted areas or very shallow waters. Young perch stay in schools and rather in the bank zones of the waters, older specimens prefer deeper water areas and usually live as solitary individuals.

Keeping and Feeding
If you want to keep perch in your garden pond, there are a few things to consider. It is very important to stock fish from breeding. If you put animals from the lake or river into your pond, there is a high risk of introducing diseases. Furthermore, wild animals are less stable; the chance of them surviving in captivity is rather low. Farmed animals are more robust, and they are also accustomed to feeding with pellets. Wild animals will not accept pellets and would therefore starve in the garden pond.

When feeding Egli, it is important to choose a sinking food with a high fat content, preferably sturgeon food. It is important here not to put too much food into the pond at once, as the Egli only take up the food during the sinking phase (predatory reflex). So take your time when feeding and always put only a few pellets into the pond at a time.

Perch are usually sexually mature at 2 years of age. Spawning season is between March and June. The female lays the eggs in the form of spawn strings on aquatic plants or branches, where they are fertilized by the males. The hatched larvae then first go to the water surface to fill their swim bladder. Young perch live in schools with several animals, older fish are usually solitary and territorial.

Good water values are a prerequisite for keeping perch, so a filter system and oxygenation are essential for the well-being of the animals.

Water Temperatures and Wintering
Perch are native cold-water fish and can cope with a wide variety of conditions. They can tolerate temperatures between 4 - 28 °C well. Therefore, wintering in our domestic garden ponds is not a problem.

Family True Perches
Scientific name Perca fluviatilis
Occurrence Distributed throughout Europe
Size On average 20 - 40 cm, individual specimens up to 60 cm are possible
Water temperature 4 - 28° C
Nature Predatory. As juveniles in schools, older animals solitary
Food Live food, small fish and similar, in the pond also pellets