Silver Perch are known to be omnivorous, which means they have a varied diet and can consume both plant and animal matter. While they primarily feed on insects, worms, and aquatic vegetation, there have been instances where they have been observed eating small fish.
In my personal experience, I have seen silver perch in farm dams actively preying on smaller fish that ventured too close. It was quite fascinating to witness their hunting behavior. They would stealthily approach their target and swiftly engulf it in their mouth. These instances made it evident that silver perch have the ability and willingness to consume other fish.
However, it is important to note that the consumption of other fish by silver perch is not their primary food source. Their diet mainly consists of insects, worms, and aquatic plants, which provide them with the necessary nutrients for their growth and survival. The occasional consumption of smaller fish may occur opportunistically, when the opportunity presents itself.
It is also worth mentioning that the size of the silver perch plays a role in their predatory behavior. Smaller silver perch are more likely to feed on smaller fish, while larger silver perch tend to focus on larger prey such as insects and worms. Therefore, the extent to which silver perch will eat other fish may vary depending on their size and availability of alternative food sources.
While silver perch are primarily omnivorous and feed on insects, worms, and aquatic plants, there have been instances where they have been observed consuming smaller fish. However, it is important to understand that this behavior is not their main source of food and may occur opportunistically.