- Classification
- ACTINOPTERYGII
- PERCIFORMES
- PERCIDAE
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Fish Classification
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Class
ACTINOPTERYGII Ray-finned fishes -
Order
PERCIFORMES Perches and allies -
Family
PERCIDAE Freshwater Perches -
Genera
Perca(1)
Family PERCIDAE
More Info
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Family Taxonomy |
The freshwater perches have not been reviewed comprehensively. Collette & Banarescu (1977) summarized the systematics and zoogeography of the family at the subgeneric level and above. McDowall (1980) and Merrick & Schmida (1984) described the single, introduced species found in Australia. More than 150 species are known. |
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Family Distribution |
The family has a native distribution in the fresh waters of the Northern Hemisphere, above 23'N in North America and above 38'N in Europe and Asia. The Redfin was introduced into Tasmania and Victoria in the 1860s. |
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Family Description |
Perches have strong spines in the dorsal, anal and pelvic fins. The European or English percb (or Redfin as it is known in Australia) has 13-17 spines in the first dorsal fin. |
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Family Size |
The Redfin can reach 50 cm. |
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Family Feeding |
Recorded food items include crustaceans, insect larvae, worms, molluscs and other fishes. |
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Family Commercial |
The Redfin is prized as a sporting fish in Europe, but less so in Australia. |
References
Collette, B.B. & Banarescu, P. (1977). Systematics and zoogeography of the fishes of the family Percidae. J. Fish. Res. Bd. Can. 34(10): 1450–1463 figs 1–27
McDowall, R.M. (1980). Family Percidae. pp. 158–159 1 fig in McDowall, R.M. (ed.) Freshwater Fishes of South-eastern Australia. Sydney : A.H. & A.W. Reed 208 pp. figs
Merrick, J.R. & Schmida, G.E. (1984). Australian Freshwater Fishes Biology and Management. Sydney : J.R. Merrick 409 pp. figs 280 col. Figs