The Secret Senses of Perch | Perch Biology Explained: Ep 2

How do perch really sense the world beneath the surface?
In this episode of Perch Biology Explained, we dive into the hidden sensory systems that make the European perch (Perca fluviatilis) one of the most effective freshwater predators on the planet.

From vision tuned to the green wavelengths that penetrate rivers and lakes… to the lateral line that detects vibrations and water movement with astonishing precision…
to the inner-ear otoliths that interpret sound… and the chemical cues that guide the perch when light and clarity fade.

This is the story of how a perch reads its environment.

Whether you’re an angler, or someone who simply loves freshwater predators, this episode gives you a deeper look into the biology and physics behind every perch you’ve ever caught... Or tried to!

Episode 3 is coming soon, where we explore the spring spawning ritual of the perch and how the next generation begins.

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Watch Episode 1:    • Why Perch Hunt in Packs | Perch Biology Ex...  

Until next time… stay hooked.

#fishing #perch #perchfishing #predatorfishing

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Vision & Spectral Sensitivity

Šamal, V., & Procházka, T. (2000). Spectral sensitivity of the perch (Perca fluviatilis) from the Danube. (Academia.edu upload of original research findings.)

Douglas, R. H., & Hawryshyn, C. W. (1990). Ultraviolet vision in fish. Scientific American, 262(4), 108–115.

FishBase – Perca fluviatilis: https://www.fishbase.se/summary/Perca...

Lateral Line System & Neuromasts

Bleckmann, H. (1993). The lateral line system of fish. Springer-Verlag.

Coombs, S., Bleckmann, H., Fay, R., eds. (2014). The Lateral Line System. Springer Handbook of Auditory Research.

Britannica – Lateral Line System:
https://www.britannica.com/science/la...

Otoliths & Underwater Sound

Popper, A. N., & Fay, R. R. (2011). Rethinking sound detection by fishes. Hearing Research, 273(1–2), 25–36.

Manual for Fish Otolith Ageing (Lithuanian Fisheries Service, 2013) — Open-access PDF.

Chemosensory Biology (Smell & Taste)

Kasumyan, A. O. (2004). The chemosensory system in fish: Smell, taste, and chemical communication. Journal of Ichthyology, 44(2), S180–S223.

Hara, T. J. (1993). Role of olfaction in fish behaviour. Chapman & Hall.

General Perch Biology

Craig, J. F. (2000). Percid Fishes: Systematics, Ecology and Exploitation. Blackwell Science.

Winfield, I. J. (1992). Threats to the freshwater fish fauna of the British Isles. Journal of Fish Biology, 41, 209–210.


MEDIA CREDITS
Video Footage

Danube between Bratislava and Vienna (Wikimedia Commons)
Author: Roman Grac
License: CC BY-SA 4.0
Link: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Fi...