freshwater
Yellow Perch
Perca flavescens
Oblong, compressed body with a light yellow/greenish gold hue. It features 6 to 8 dark vertical bands on its sides, two dorsal fins (the first with sharp spines), and reddish-orange pelvic and anal fins. Scales are ctenoid, giving a rough texture.
- Habitat
- Native to North America, they inhabit clear, cool lakes,…
- Size & weight
- Commonly 15–25 cm (6–10 in) and 200–500 g.…
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Physical characteristics
Oblong, compressed body with a light yellow/greenish gold hue. It features 6 to 8 dark vertical bands on its sides, two dorsal fins (the first with sharp spines), and reddish-orange pelvic and anal fins. Scales are ctenoid, giving a rough texture.
Habitat & distribution
Native to North America, they inhabit clear, cool lakes, reservoirs, and slow-moving rivers with moderate vegetation. They are found from the northern United States through southern and central Canada.
Ecological role
A key intermediate species in the food web acting as both a predator of zooplankton and small invertebrates and as a primary prey source for larger predators like northern pike and walleye. Classified as Least Concern (IUCN) across its range.
Similar species
European Perch (Perca fluviatilis), which is generally larger with more intense red fins, and Walleye (Sander vitreus), which lacks the prominent dark vertical bands and has a larger, more pointed mouth.