Perch Fish Facts

What are perch fish? Perch fish are freshwater species belonging to the family Percidae. With more than 6000 species and over 150 families, they are distributed largely among different geographical locations. The natural habitat of this fish ranges from Thailand, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam, Southern China, Taiwan, Philippines and Cambodia. It is also found in Europe, Nigeria, Mississippi, South Carolina, Hudson Bay, Chesapeake Bay, Nova Scotia, and Atlantic coast. These fish species are also known by many common names, derived from their place of origin. They have unique anatomical features, that distinguish them from other fish types.

Common Perch Fish Species

Here's the list of the most common perch species along with their scientific names.

• Anabas testudineus - Climbing perch
• Perca fluviatilis - European perch
• Perca schrenkii - Balkhash perch
• Perca flavescens - Yellow perch
• Macquaria ambigua - Golden perch
• Bidyanus bidyanus - Silver perch
• Leiopotherapon unicolor - Spangled perch
• Morone americana - White perch

Perch Fish Facts - Details

The anatomy and characteristics of perch fish vary from species to species. Study shows that, this fish grows to an average size of 10-20 inches. The color also varies for different breeds and they have been named accordingly as yellow perch, golden or silver perch. Yellow perch has the most distinguishing feature with 6-8 dark bands across their sides and back over their yellow or golden coloration. Perch fish has a very long and strong spine.

Climbing perch has torpedo shaped head with an elongated body. They have colorful muddy appearance with olive colored scales. They use their pectoral fins, caudal peduncle and gill covers for locomotion. They also have spines over their gill covers that act as defensive mechanism. The facts also include large mouth with sharp teeth. They have slender bodies, short heads and blunt snouts.

Their lifestyle is known as semi-anadromous. They can be seen migrating to tidal water and brackish water also. Being freshwater, they are found in ponds, lakes and rivers. During winter seasons, they usually drift in downstream portions of rivers.

Some facts about perch fish says that, they mostly feed on invertebrates. They are either omnivorous or herbivorous. They feed mostly on planktonic crustaceans. Aquatic insect larvae, corals are also a part of their diet. Larval perch feeds mostly on cladocerans, copepods and zooplanktons. Larger perch consumes smaller fish as well.

Other facts about perch fish are, the temperature and conditions required for their survival. The temperature inside the aquarium should be between 20C - 25C and well planted. They have predatory nature.

Perch fish spawning season is between April and May. The female is of larger size while the male is distinguished as darker in color with edgy anal fin. They spawn in shallow water. There must be plenty of plants inside aquariums as they shed their eggs in long gelatinous rows and wove under tree roots or aquatic plants. Their spawning is vigorous. Once they have spawned, the adults must be removed as they eat the eggs. The young fries require green water and egg yolk paste as first food.

Perch fish is consumed all over the world and it generates substantial commercial income from fish farming. Variety of fishing methods have been devised to trap this fish. Most common fishing techniques are, lure fishing and float fishing. This species is very notorious and cunning, so subtle techniques are applied to catch them.

If you are interested in fishing, you can always practice this recreational activity or else you can also rear them at home.