To sixty centimetres. An introduced species of stillwater and slow moving rivers with good water quality, perch are voracious predators preying on insects and small fishes. They will eat surprisingly large food items. Perch have a scattered distribution through both main islands. They grow up to weights of 2kg or more, but populations will stunt under certain conditions resulting in large populations of small, undernourished individuals. An attractive olive-green fish with prominent stripes, perch will take baits of worms, small fish (where legal) and respond to streamer flies, spinners, spoons and plugs. Not often targeted, they fight reasonably well and are said to be good eating. A licence is required to fish for perch.

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