“Fish are hidden fauna for most of us. Walking along the riverbank or on the beach, we might catch glimpses occasionally, but it’s no surprise that fish are generally overlooked, even by keen wildlife-watchers. With the exception of anglers, divers and the odd fish fanatic [like tonight’s presenter] they remain a mystery to most of us.”

Jack Perks starts from the basics, asking, what is a fish? The range of answers might surprise you. He will move on to life cycles, habitat, behaviour, identification, conservation… and before you know it you will start to realise there’s more to fish than you have thought!

The smallest minnow and the gargantuan basking shark – what do these things have in common?

Jack Perks is the an underwater photographer and the author of several books on fish, including his new Field Guide to British Fish.

This is a highly illustrated talk – and here’s a reel to give a flavour:  www.youtube.com/watch?v=SIwk62zgyHw