Listen to the Song – Billy Perch
The complete lyrics are included in the companion book, Our Jewels in the Water, allowing readers to follow every song while learning about Britain’s remarkable freshwater fish.
Enjoying the music?
The companion book Our Jewels in the Water includes the full lyrics, additional stories, exclusive photographs and beautiful illustrations for every species.
The Perch
The Striped Warrior
“Boldly striped, brilliantly coloured and fearless by nature, the Perch is one of Britain’s most beautiful and exciting freshwater predators.”
Species Profile
The European Perch (Perca fluviatilis) is one of Britain’s most recognisable freshwater fish. With its olive-green body crossed by dark vertical bars, brilliant orange-red fins and impressive spiny dorsal fin, it is often described as the tiger of our rivers and lakes.
Unlike many members of the carp family, the Perch is a true predator. From an early age it hunts small fish, insects, shrimps and other aquatic creatures with speed and precision. Whether found in quiet canals, flowing rivers, gravel pits or deep reservoirs, it is admired by anglers for both its striking appearance and spirited fight.
Clive’s Story
The Perch takes me straight back to my childhood.
As a young lad, one of my greatest pleasures was fishing with a small spinner. I can still remember seeing a Perch appear from nowhere, following the flashing blade through the clear water.
Sometimes several would follow together, almost competing to reach the lure first. Then, just as I began to wonder if they would turn away, one would suddenly dart forward and seize it.
Those moments were unforgettable.
Perch always seemed full of confidence. They hunted with determination and fought far harder than their size suggested. Every catch felt like a little victory against one of the river’s most skilled hunters.
Natural History
Perch are found throughout Britain in rivers, lakes, canals, ponds and reservoirs.
Young Perch feed mainly on insect larvae, freshwater shrimps and small invertebrates. As they grow larger, they become increasingly predatory, feeding on minnows, Roach fry, sticklebacks and other small fish.
They often hunt in small groups, using submerged weeds, fallen trees and underwater features as cover before launching swift attacks on unsuspecting prey.
Their large eyes provide excellent vision, helping them hunt even in low-light conditions during dawn and dusk.
Interesting Facts
- Scientific name: Perca fluviatilis
- Family: Percidae
- Average size: 8 oz–2 lb
- Specimen size: Fish over 4 lb are exceptional
- Habitat: Rivers, lakes, canals, ponds and reservoirs
- Diet: Insects, freshwater shrimps, worms and small fish
- Lifespan: Up to 15 years
- Distinguishing feature: Sharp spines on the first dorsal fin help protect it from predators.
Behind the Song
When writing The Striped Warrior, I wanted the music to capture both excitement and confidence.
The Perch is never timid.
Its bold markings, fearless nature and lightning-fast attacks inspired a melody with plenty of energy, reflecting the thrill every angler feels when a Perch strikes with such determination.
It is a celebration of one of Britain’s most charismatic freshwater predators.
Conservation
Perch thrive in healthy, balanced freshwater ecosystems.
They play an important role in controlling populations of smaller fish and aquatic insects, helping to maintain the natural balance of rivers and lakes.
Protecting water quality, preserving aquatic vegetation and restoring natural habitats all help ensure that future generations will continue to enjoy this magnificent species.
Clive’s Reflection
The Perch taught me that courage isn’t measured by size.
It may not grow as large as a Pike or a Carp, but few fish display such confidence.
Every striped flank, every glowing orange fin and every determined fight reminds me why the Perch has remained one of Britain’s favourite freshwater fish.
Whenever I see one rise from the landing net, I am reminded of those childhood days when every cast held the promise of another thrilling encounter.
“The boldest warriors are not always the biggest, but they are often the ones we remember most.”
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