1. Egg:
- Adult perch lay eggs in the spring, usually in shallow, weedy areas of lakes or rivers.
- The eggs are small, round, and slightly transparent.
- The eggs hatch into larvae after about two weeks.
2. Larvae:
- The larvae are tiny and transparent.
- They feed on microscopic organisms called zooplankton.
- The larvae grow and develop rapidly, forming a swim bladder and fins.
3. Fry:
- As the larvae grow, they develop into fry.
- Fry are small fish that resemble adult perch but are still immature.
- Fry continue to feed on zooplankton and other small organisms.
4. Juvenile:
- Juvenile perch grow larger and start to take on the appearance of adult fish.
- They begin to feed on larger prey, such as insects and small fish.
- Juveniles may form schools for protection against predators.
5. Adult:
- Adult perch are typically olive green or brown with dark vertical bands on their sides.
- They have sharp teeth and a large appetite.
- Adult perch feed on a variety of prey, including fish, insects, and crustaceans.
- Perch can live up to 15 years or more in the wild.
6. Reproduction:
- Adult perch reach sexual maturity at around 3-4 years of age.
- They return to the shallow waters where they were born to lay their eggs, starting the cycle anew.