Volume 37, Plate I / Ichthyology (Fish)

Perch & Basse or Sea-Perch

Perca fluviatilis & Labrax Lupus

1. The Perch. This beautiful fish, attaining a considerable size of three to five pounds and occasionally six to nine, is both prolific and precocious, spawning in April and May and feeding upon insects, worms, and small fish, the Minnow proving a deadly bait. Celebrated for reckless boldness and voracity, it thrives in lakes and rivers, abounds across temperate Europe and the lowlands, and yields white, firm, well flavoured flesh.
2. The Basse or Sea-Perch. A bold and active fish formerly esteemed by the ancients, it earned the name Lupus, or Wolf, and is distinguished from the common Perch by scaly gill covers, spined opercle, and rough vomer. Attaining eighteen inches here and fifteen pounds abroad, it feeds on Crustacea and smaller fishes, swims in shoals near shores and river mouths, and bears firm, well flavoured flesh.