Redfin perch
Redfin is a medium sized fish native to northern Europe which has since been introduced to Australian waters and is believed responsible, in part, for population decline in a number of native species. They are voracious predators of other fish and can destroy recreational fisheries by both building up numbers in stunted individuals and elimination of other species. Redfin can also devastate native fish populations by carrying the serious deisease EHN virus. As a consequence redfin should not be returned to the water if caught. It is also an offence to translocate them fron one site to another and strict penalties apply.
Never the less, redfin are recognised for their fighting ability and good eating qualities. A moderate size, relatively elongated fish, redfin can be distinguished by the following features.
- The tail is slightly forked
- Two distinctly seperate dorsal fins, the first with a distinct rear black blotch
- Six or more broad black vertical bands across the back tapering on the sides
- The pelvic and anal fins plus lower margin of the tail are bright reddish orange
- Olive green to grey on back, greensih to silvery on sides with white belly