On 12 March 2023, a redfin perch (Perca fluviatilis) was caught by an angler in Mountain River, in the Huon Valley. It was reported to and confirmed by the IFS.

Prior to this, redfin perch had not been found in this river, or in the Huon Valley.

Extensive surveys have now been completed including farm dams, rivers and creeks in the area, with redfin perch captured in a small creek.

The IFS wants your help to find the source of this population. If you think you’ve seen, found or caught a redfin perch in the Huon Valley region, please take clear photos of it, or if it is dead already, collect the carcass and store in a freezer.

Please take note of the location where it was found, as well as the date, and contact the IFS promptly on 1300 INFISH or infish@ifs.tas.gov.au.

Redfin perch are an invasive species that were introduced to Tasmania in the 1860’s, and are now established in many areas of the state. Due to their aggressive nature and ability to reproduce rapidly and overpopulate water bodies, they pose a threat to our native fish and trout.

The final report can be found at the link below:

Mountain_River_Redfin_Perch_Report_2023-24_Final_QJo1aAJ.pdf