Even the population of Ancient Egypt caught this river giant and ate it. In those days, the Egyptians called this representative of the underwater world nothing more than “Princess of the Nile.” Even in our times, one can observe a number of drawings where they carry a river giant after capturing it in the waters of the Nile. This river giant still haunts real fishermen: every amateur fisherman dreams of catching this fish.
Description of Nile perch
In shape, the Nile perch more closely resembles a pike perch than a perch. They assigned it to the genus Latidae, which, in turn, represent the class of ray-finned fish. Nile perch is perhaps the largest freshwater fish, although other, no less large representatives of freshwater bodies of water are known.
This is a truly large fish with a flattened head, slightly pushed forward. Basically, the fins of the Nile perch are distinguished by their peculiar rounded shape. The color of the Nile perch is characterized as silver with a blue tint. Despite this, there are individuals with other colors, for example, green-yellow-lilac-gray. The eyes of the Nile perch are more of a dark shade, and within the pupil itself there is a bright yellow edging.
In the area of the back of the Nile giant there are two fins, one of which has a sharper shape. When this fish jumps out of the water, it is truly a unique sight.
What size does it grow to?
This freshwater giant grows up to 2 meters in length, or even more, with a weight of 150 to 200 kilograms. After 15 years of life, the Nile perch already gains a weight of 30 kilograms, which is why it is ranked among the largest freshwater fish. Because this fish is able to grow to such a size, the Nile perch is always the dominant species. In addition, it should be remembered that this fish is predatory.
Interesting fact! The Nile perch breeds its young in its mouth cavity, giving it a much better chance of survival while under the constant protection of its parent.
The Nile perch's diet consists of living organisms such as crustaceans and insects, as well as small fish. There are some statements pointing to cannibalism (mostly drowned people), although such facts do not have any evidence, but on the other hand, why not.
Where does he live?
Nile perch can live both in natural reservoirs and in artificially created reservoirs.
In wild nature
This fish is distributed mainly on the African continent, in rivers such as the Nile, Congo, Volta and Senegal. It is also possible to meet it in lakes Chad, Victoria, Albert and others where fresh water is found. This fact indicates that this fish is heat-loving and does not spread to water bodies far from southern latitudes.
Artificial reservoirs
Nile perch is grown in artificially created reservoirs, but the grown individuals are very different in size from their relatives developing in their natural habitat. There are many similar artificially created reservoirs around the world. This is due to the fact that this fish is quite valuable and is used for preparing various dishes, including haute cuisine.
Appearance
The name of the fish comes from the Slavic “eye”. Presumably, the fish got its nickname for the dark spot on its dorsal fin, similar to an eye. Another version says that the fish is of Proto-Indo-European origin, and the name translates as “spicy”. This fish has received many nicknames. In the south of Russia this predator is called “chekomas”. Fishermen call it “redfin”, “humpback”, and also “sailor”.
In order not to confuse perch with other fish, let’s consider its distinctive appearance features:
- The body of the fish has a slightly humpbacked structure, compressed laterally.
- The small scales of the aquatic inhabitant fit tightly to the body.
- Externally, freshwater perch looks quite massive, since the height of the fish is a third of its length.
- The sides of the fish are greenish-yellow, the back is dark with a greenish tint, and the belly is light.
- The head of a predator is of medium size. In the mouth of the fish there are not one, but several rows of sharp bristly teeth. The structural features of the jaw leave no chance for the prey to escape from the trap. This fish has no fangs. The absence of fangs distinguishes the species from another similar fellow - pike perch.
- The gills have small sharp serrations. The eyes are large with a yellow iris. Deep perch have larger eyes.
- The average size of the fish usually does not exceed 50 centimeters with a weight of about 3 kg. Giant specimens are also extremely rare. The largest fish was caught in the 50s in Great Britain. The giant's weight was almost 6 kilograms. A comparison of standard sizes can be seen in photos of fishermen on the Internet.
- The color of the perch depends on the habitat. Perches that live in dark muddy ponds are much darker than their counterparts that live in clear reservoirs with a sandy bottom. You can find out what a perch looks like by looking at photos on the Internet.
- Dark transverse stripes are visible throughout the predator's body. The number of stripes can be from 6 to 9, but more often 7. Thanks to this coloring, it is often called a striped whale.
Feature of the aquatic inhabitant: two identifying fins. The first dorsal fin is glaucous in color, higher and longer than the second. There is a black spot on it, by which the perch is recognized. This dorsal fin consists mainly of hard, sharp bony processes. The second fin, colored yellow-green, is located next to the first. Consists of almost all bones that are soft in structure. The fins on the belly of the perch are bright yellow or red, and the anal fins are colored red and yellow.
Fishing for Nile perch
Many amateur fishermen dream of catching this giant. Anglers are attracted by the behavior of this fish and its resistance when fishing. Most of them recommend Lake Nasser for fishing for this fish.
Many foreign tourists prefer the services of international travel agencies that practice routes of the so-called “African safari”. The program of such routes certainly includes fishing for this unique fish. In addition, there are pure tours designed to visit fishing spots where this freshwater giant is caught. In any case, fishing for this representative of the underwater world will remain in the memory for many years.
Catching a Monster. Nile Perch
Best time to fish for Nile perch
Many experienced fishermen claim that it is preferable to catch Nile perch from May to October inclusive, but the most productive period is considered to be mid-summer. You should not count on successfully catching this fish in winter, since Nile perch practically does not bite during this period.
In April, due to spawning, fishing is prohibited not only for the Nile giant.
Behavior of Nile perch during fishing
Nile perch is an extremely predatory fish that completely destroys most species of fish inhabiting the reservoir. He willingly takes artificial baits of any origin. Many anglers catch this large predator by trolling. If a large specimen is caught, it is difficult to pull it out of the water: in addition to the fact that it can be huge, it also resists with all its might. Therefore, the struggle can be long and exhausting. Without some experience, strength and dexterity, it is not so easy to cope with such a giant. You shouldn’t always count on catching him, since he very often breaks the fishing line or breaks the gear, going to the depths absolutely unharmed.
Invasive species[edit]
Nile perch has been introduced to many other lakes in Africa, including Lake Victoria and the man-made Lake Nasser. The World Conservation Union Invasive Species Specialist Group considers L. niloticus
one of the 100 worst invasive species in the world.
[ citation needed
]
The state of Queensland in Australia imposes heavy fines on anyone possessing live Nile perch as it competes directly with the native barramundi, which is similar and grows up to 1.5 m (4 ft 11 in) in length, while Nile perch grows . up to 2.0 m (6 ft 7 in) long. [ citation needed
]
The species is of great commercial importance as a commercial fish. Nile perch is also popular among sport fishermen, as it attacks artificial fishing baits, and is also aquacultured. [ citation needed
]
Introduction to Lake Victoria[edit]
| This section requires additional links for verification . |
See also: Fishing on Lake Victoria.
Nile perch can grow up to 2 m (6 ft 7 in) and 200 kg (440 lb). [5]
The introduction of this species into Lake Victoria is one of the most cited examples of the negative impacts of alien species on ecosystems.
Nile perch was introduced to Lake Victoria in East Africa in the 1950s [6] [7] and has been fished commercially ever since. In 2003, sales of Nile perch in the EU reached €169 million. Sport fishing in Uganda and Tanzania has generated additional tourism income.
Its introduction has been ecologically devastating and has led to the extinction or near-extinction of several hundred native species, with some populations fluctuating depending on commercial fishing and actual Nile perch stocks. The Nile perch originally fed on native cichlids, but with the decreasing availability of these prey, it now consumes primarily small shrimp and minnows.
The alteration of the natural ecosystem has had devastating socio-economic consequences for local communities bordering the lake. Many local people were displaced from their traditional fishing occupations and drawn into the cash economy or, before the creation of export-oriented fisheries, turned them into economic refugees. At least initially, nets strong enough to hold adult Nile perch could not be produced locally and had to be imported at high cost. [8]
The introduction of Nile perch also had additional ecological consequences for the shores. Local cichlids were traditionally sun-dried, but because Nile perch has a high fat content (higher than cichlids), it must be smoked to avoid spoilage. This has led to increased demand for firewood in a region already heavily affected by deforestation, soil erosion and desertification.
Oscar-nominated documentary Darwin's Nightmare
by Hubert Sauper (French-Austrian-Belgian production, 2004) deals with the damage that was caused by the introduction of Nile perch, including the import of weapons and ammunition on cargo planes from Europe, which were then used to export Nile perch, which further aggravated conflicts and suffering in surrounding regions.
Whether considered positive or negative, [9] the trophic status of Lake Victoria appears to be dramatically impoverished by the introduction of this new near-top predator. Although the ecosystem appears to be moving towards a new equilibrium, neither its previous state nor the state of Lake Victoria's fishery can ever be easily restored.
Fishing [edit]
On Lake Victoria, the only (small) trawlers are owned by research institutes. Small fishing boats are propelled primarily by sails, while the smallest boats use oars. However, the number of boats with outboard engines is increasing, indicating that the local Nile perch fishery is more capital intensive. [10] One to three fishermen use a boat. The fish are caught mainly with gillnets and poles, and sometimes with (short) long poles. Those caught in gillnets usually die when the nets rise. The fish are kept in a boat without protection or ice and taken to landing sites, mainly beaches, where they are weighed and purchased by buying companies using insulated boats or ice vans, or the fish are purchased by local women. [ citation needed
]
Fishing also creates indirect employment for additional fish processors, transporters, factory workers and others. "Boom towns" sprang up along the lakeshore in response to fishing crews' need for money to fish. [Note 1] These towns resemble shacks and have few services. Of the 1,433 landing sites identified in the 2004 framework survey, only 20% had communal toilets, 4% were served by electricity and 6% were served by drinking water. [12]
Useful properties of Nile perch
Nile perch has been valued since ancient times due to its excellent taste. The meat of this fish is juicy and tender, easy to cook and has no bones. In addition, its meat is not expensive, and therefore affordable and can decorate any table, not necessarily a festive one.
As a rule, Nile perch meat is sold in the form of fillets, while not expensive pieces of fillet are meat from the abdominal cavity, and more expensive pieces are from the back.
Nile perch recipes
Nile perch is a fish that can be cooked in any available way, but dishes cooked in the oven are considered the most delicious. This technology allows you to preserve as much as possible the tenderness of the meat and the taste of this fish, as well as most of the beneficial components.
Oven-baked Nile perch
To prepare this delicious dish you will need:
- Half a kilo of clean perch meat.
- 50 ml vegetable oil (any).
- Juice of one lemon.
- Spices: thyme, parsley, bay leaf and others.
- Salt to taste.
How to properly and tasty prepare this healthy dish:
- The perch fillet is salted and sprinkled with lemon juice and vegetable oil.
- Seasonings are crushed and added to the fish, after which everything is mixed. The fish is left to marinate for half an hour.
- The oven is turned on at 180 degrees and heated up, after which the fish is placed in it and baked until fully cooked.
- The dish is served with sprigs of fresh herbs.
