European Perch (Perca fluviatilis)

For page 15, I originally wanted to give to the rat, as part of a double page spread for pages 14 and 15. However, I decided to include more marine animals, and so I wanted to cut the double page spread short, and designate the rat to just one page, whilst allowing for a more diverse range of animals. This is why research into this animal comes so late.

Due to my success with page 12 and 13, I wanted to include another fish since I had a lot of fun illustrating this particular species, and so after looking up British native fish, I ended up taking an interest in the Perch.

http://s.hswstatic.com/gif/perch-fishing-tips-1.jpg < image reference at this link.

The Yellow, or European Perch can often be found swimming in the waters of America, and Europe, including the UK.
This fish is carnivorous, and lives in such habitats as ponds, rivers, streams etc.
Their spawning season is in the springtime, and they can lay many many eggs at one time, similar to other fish.

http://www.chesapeakebay.net/images/field_guide/White_Perch_page_image.jpg < image reference at this link.

The European Perch, otherwise known as the Common Perch, is greenish, with dark markings along its body. You can see an example of this appearance with the photo above.
One of the Perch's key features is the two dorsal fins located on its back, with one spined, and the other soft.

http://www.mountainanglers.com/perch-1.jpg < image reference at this link.

A common sight in UK waters, and this species is the subject of many hobbyist fishermen, who fish for this particular species as sport.

http://www.fishingwithpiotr.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/IMGP0300.jpg < image reference at this link.

I personally think that this fish is an underrated species native to Britain and Europe, and I would like to feature it as part of my wildlife zine.









http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/451101/perch















Thomas.