Aquatic Invaders - Introduced species are a threat to our aquatic biodiversity

Red-Fin Perch

Perca fluviatilis

Photo: J Langdon

Red-fin perch have been in Western Australia since the 1890s when anglers introduced them to Albany for recreational fishing. They have spread rapidly into dams and waterways and are voracious predators, consuming marron, gilgies, frogs, insects and native fish, as well as trout eggs and fry. In closed waters of lakes and dams, red-fin populations become stunted as they deplete the food supply and become worthless for angling.

Identification

The fish have distinctive red fins and many have dark vertical banding.

What you can do

Large red-fin are good sport fish which taste good and there are no bag or size limits on them. Please keep ALL redfin you catch and don't release them into our waterways or dams.

Reporting the Presence

You can help the Department of Fisheries to keep our inland fisheries healthy. Be on the lookout for these introduced pests. Report their presence to the FISHWATCH service on 1800 815 507