Perch
| Perch | |
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| Yellow perch (Perca flavescens) | |
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| Genus: | Perca Linnaeus, 1758
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Perca is the genus of fish referred to as perch or yellow perch, a group of freshwater fish belonging to the family Percidae. Perch, of which there are three species in different geographical areas, lend their name to the largest order of vertebrates: the Perciformes, from the Greek perke meaning perch, and the Latin forma meaning shape. Many other species of fish are also called "perch." Also there is the lateral line system.
Perch have "rough" or ctenoid scales. When looking through a microscope, the scale look like a plate with growth rings and 89 spikes on the top edges. On the dorsal side of the fish, there consists a upper maxilla and lower mandible for the mouth, a pair of nostrils, and two lidless eyes. On the posterior sides are the operculum, which are used to protect the gills. Also there is the lateral line system which is sensitive to vibrations in the water. They have a pair of pectoral and pelvic fins. On the anterior end of the fish, there are two dorsal fins. The first one is spiny and the second is soft. There is also an anal fin, which is also considered spiny, and a caudal fin. Also there is a cloacal opening right behind the anal fin. All perciform fish share the perch's general morphology.
The type species for this genus is the European perch.
Angling
Perch are a popular coarse fish, mainly because they are common, and are one of the most beautiful fish. They can be caught with a variety of methods, but the 2 best methods are float fishing and lure fishing. Spinners work exceptionally well. When Float Fishing, the angler will need a discorger at all times; Perch are notorious for swallowing the hook, and will need aid of a discorger or forceps for unhooking. They will take a variety of baits, including worms and maggots. They grow to around 5lb, but fish growig to this size are becoming increasingly rare. The most common fish to be caught are around 1lb, and anything over 2lb is considered a prize catch.
Species
Most authorities recognize three species of perch:
- The European perch (Perca fluviatilis) is found in Europe and Asia. It is usually dark green with red fins. The European perch has been successfully introduced in New Zealand and Australia where it is known as the redfin perch or English perch.
- The Balkhash perch (Perca schrenkii) is found in Kazakhstan, (in Lake Balkhash and Lake Alakol), Uzbekistan, and China. It is very similar to the European perch, and grows to a comparable size.
- The Yellow perch (Perca flavescens), smaller and paler than the European perch, is found in the United States and Canada.
For other perch not in the Perca genus, see Perch (disambiguation)
References
- Gilberson, Lance, Zooslogy Lab Manual 4th edition. Primis Custom Publishing. 1999.