Nile perch: the largest perch in the world, description, habitat

The Nile perch is considered one of the largest representatives of perch-like fish species. This is not only a large fish, but also very useful, with excellent taste data.

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 none other than the “Princess of the Nile.” Even in our times, a number of drawings can be observed where they carry a river giant after capturing it in the waters of the Nile. This river giant still haunts real anglers: every amateur angler dreams of catching this fish.

Description of the Nile perch

The shape of the Nile perch is more reminiscent of zander than perch. It was ranked as a genus of lats, which, in turn, represent a class of ray-finned fish. The Nile perch is perhaps the largest freshwater fish, although other equally large representatives of freshwater reservoirs are also known.

This is a really large fish with a flattened head, slightly pushed forward. Basically, the fins of the Nile perch are distinguished by a peculiar rounded shape. The color of the Nile perch is characterized as silvery with a blue tint. Despite this, there are individuals with a different color, for example, green-yellow-lilac-gray. The eyes of the Nile perch are more of a dark shade, and there is a bright yellow edging within the pupil itself.

In the region 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.

How big does it grow

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 is already gaining a weight of 30 kilograms, which is why it was ranked among the largest freshwater fish. Due to the fact that this fish is able to grow to such sizes, 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 offspring in the cavity of its mouth, which gives it a much better chance of survival, being under the constant protection of its parent.

The diet of the Nile perch 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 conditions of 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 him in the lakes of Chad, Victoria, Albert and others, where fresh water is noted. A similar fact indicates that this fish is thermophilic and does not extend to water bodies remote from southern latitudes.

Artificial ponds

The Nile perch is grown in artificially created reservoirs, but the grown individuals are very different in size from their relatives that develop in their natural habitat. There are many such artificially created reservoirs around the world. This is due to the fact that this fish is quite valuable and is used to prepare various dishes, including haute cuisine.

Nile perch fishing

Many amateur anglers dream of catching this giant. Anglers are attracted by the behavior of this fish and its resistance when playing. Most of them recommend Lake Nasser for fishing this fish.

Many foreign tourists prefer the services of international travel agencies that practice routes, 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 be remembered for many years.

Best Time to Fish for Nile Perch

Many experienced fishermen argue that the Nile perch is best caught from May to October inclusive, but the most productive period is considered to be the middle of summer. You should not count on the successful capture of this fish in winter, since the Nile perch practically does not bite during this period.

In the month of April, due to spawning, fishing is prohibited not only for the Nile giant.

The behavior of the Nile perch during fishing

The Nile perch is an extremely predatory fish that completely destroys most of the fish species that inhabit the reservoir. He willingly takes artificial baits of any origin. Many anglers catch this large predator by trolling. If a large specimen is caught, then it is difficult to pull it out of the water: besides the fact that it can be huge, it also resists with all its might. Therefore, the struggle can be long and exhausting. Without a certain experience, strength and skill, it is not so easy to cope with such a giant. You should not always count on his capture, since he very often breaks the fishing line or breaks the tackle, going to the depth absolutely unscathed.

Useful properties of the Nile perch

Nile perch has long been valued for its excellent taste. The meat of this fish is juicy and tender, while it is easy to cook and has no bones. In addition, its meat is not expensive, and therefore affordable and can decorate any table and not necessarily a festive one.

As a rule, Nile perch meat is sold in the form of fillets, while not expensive fillet pieces 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 the tenderness of meat and the taste of this fish, as well as most of the useful components.

Oven baked Nile perch

To prepare this delicious dish you will need:

• A pound of pure 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 cook this healthy dish:

1. Perch fillet is salted and poured with lemon juice and vegetable oil.
2. Seasonings are crushed and added to the fish, after which everything is mixed. The fish is left to marinate for half an hour.
3. The oven is turned on at 180 degrees and warmed up, after which the fish is placed in it and baked until fully cooked.
4. Served with sprigs of fresh herbs.

Nile perch baked with vegetables

To prepare this equally delicious dish, you will need:

• 500 grams perch fillet.
• Three fresh tomatoes.
• One onion.
• One bell pepper.
• One tablespoon of soy sauce.
• One tablespoon of capers.
• One lime.
• One teaspoon of vegetable oil.
• Three cloves of garlic.
• 50 grams of hard cheese.

The sequence of cooking:

1. Perch meat is cut into pieces, after which it is poured with lemon or lime juice, with the addition of chopped garlic. Pieces of fish are left for a while to marinate.
2. The onion is cut into rings and stewed until soft, after which chopped sweet peppers and chopped tomatoes are added to it. After that, everything is stewed for another 20 minutes.
3. Pieces of fish are laid out in a baking dish, and stewed vegetables are laid out on top. The fish is placed in a preheated oven for half an hour.
4. After this time, the fish is taken out of the oven and sprinkled with grated hard cheese. After that, the fish is again sent to the oven for another 10 minutes.
5. The dish is served to the table with fresh herbs.

To catch a Nile perch, you need to carefully prepare, armed with reliable and durable gear. If there is no opportunity to hunt this freshwater giant, then you should not despair, just go to the supermarket and buy a Nile perch fillet. You can easily cook it yourself, or taste it by visiting the nearest restaurant.