In 2025 I spent many hours diving in Dutch freshwater lakes during the spawning season, documenting biological processes that often remain unnoticed beneath the surface. One of these observations developed into a photographic article on freshwater fish reproduction, focusing on the remarkable egg ribbons of the European perch.
Perch Egg Ribbons
During the spawning season, perch (Perca fluviatilis) deposit their eggs in long gelatinous ribbons that drape across underwater vegetation, branches and other submerged structures, stretching for several meters in a distinctive, net-like structure. At first glance they resemble translucent nets suspended in the water. A closer look reveals something far more complex: each individual egg contains a developing embryo, clearly visible within the transparent matrix.
Unlike many other fish species, perch do not actively guard their eggs after spawning. The ribbons are left attached to structures in the environment, where they develop exposed to surrounding conditions. Documenting this process involved revisiting the same locations during the spawning period, together with my dive buddy Mark, to photograph the progression from freshly laid eggs to fully formed embryos.
The full article, available in Dutch only, has been published in René Magazine, Issue 2 (carpe diem), Spring 2026.
Looking Beneath the Surface
Much of what happens on the lakebed goes unnoticed. By slowing down and revisiting the same locations over time, small details begin to reveal larger biological processes. Observing these egg ribbons over time provides insight into a reproductive strategy that relies not on parental care, but on quantity, structure and timing — subtle but effective, hidden in plain sight beneath the surface.
