Edible · No heating · Moderate
European perch
Perca fluviatilis
A local fish, prized in the kitchen.
Water temperature 23 to 26 °C (73 to 79 °F) optimal · tolerates 16 to 28 °C (61 to 82 °F)
- pH
- 6.5 to 8.5
- Dissolved oxygen
- 4 to 10 mg/L
- Growth
- About 12 months
- Harvest weight
- 300 to 400 g
In Belgium and northern France
A native species that tolerates cold water close to 0 °C (32 °F); it grows mainly when the water is above 16 °C (61 °F).
Key steps
- Carnivorous: a quality, protein-rich feed is essential.
- Buy perch already used to pellets: wild fish often refuse the feed.
- Fillet yield of about 35 to 40%.
- Don't confuse it with the pumpkinseed sunfish, an invasive species that is banned.
Feeding
Carnivorous, protein-rich feed. In aquaponics, the feed ration sets the fertilizer available to the plants: 1 to 2 % of the fish weight per day, what they eat in a few minutes, and less when the water cools.
Frequently asked questions
European perch in aquaponics: what water temperature?
Optimal temperature: 23 to 26 °C (73 to 79 °F), tolerated range 16 to 28 °C (61 to 82 °F). A native species that tolerates cold water close to 0 °C (32 °F); it grows mainly when the water is above 16 °C (61 °F).
European perch: what pH and how much oxygen?
pH 6.5 to 8.5; dissolved oxygen: 4 to 10 mg/L. In aquaponics, aim for a compromise around pH 6 to 7 for the plants.
European perch: how long does it take to grow?
About 12 months, for a harvest weight of 300 to 400 g. Diet: carnivorous, high-protein feed.
European perch: how many should I put in my tank?
For a hobbyist, stay under 10 to 20 kg of fish per 1000 liters (FAO) and size your system from the feed: 40 to 50 g of feed per m² of leafy greens per day.
- TransFarm (Interreg Central Baltic), Training materials on fish in aquaponics
My observations
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