freshwater, brackish, semi-anadromous
White Perch
Morone americana
A deep-bodied, laterally compressed fish with two connected dorsal fins (one spiny, one soft). It typically exhibits a silvery-white to olive-gray coloration without distinct dark longitudinal stripes. The scales are ctenoid, giving it a rough feel, and it has a relatively small mouth for a temperate bass.
- Habitat
- Native to the Atlantic coast of North America, from the…
- Size & weight
- Typically ranges from 7 to 10 inches in length and weigh…
- Diet
- Opportunistic feeders. Juveniles eat zooplankton and aqu…
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Physical characteristics
A deep-bodied, laterally compressed fish with two connected dorsal fins (one spiny, one soft). It typically exhibits a silvery-white to olive-gray coloration without distinct dark longitudinal stripes. The scales are ctenoid, giving it a rough feel, and it has a relatively small mouth for a temperate bass.
Habitat & distribution
Native to the Atlantic coast of North America, from the St. Lawrence River to South Carolina. Found in brackish estuaries, coastal rivers, and freshwater lakes and ponds. They are highly adaptable to varying salinities.
Behavior
Highly gregarious and often found in large schools. They are most active during the day (diurnal) and frequently move between different depths depending on water temperature and food availability.
Diet
Opportunistic feeders. Juveniles eat zooplankton and aquatic insect larvae; adults consume small fish, crustaceans, fish eggs, and larger insects.
Reproduction
Semi-anadromous or potamodromous; they migrate from deeper waters into shallow freshwater or brackish rivers to spawn in the spring. They are broadcast spawners, releasing adhesive eggs over gravel or sandy bottoms.
Ecological role
Acts as both a significant predator of smaller fish and invertebrates and as a prey species for larger predators like Walleye, Northern Pike, and larger bass. In non-native areas, they can become invasive and outcompete local species.
Similar species
White Bass (Morone chrysops) which has distinct dark horizontal stripes; Striped Bass (Morone saxatilis) which is more slender with very prominent dark stripes.
Identification tips
Look for the lack of dark horizontal stripes, the silvery color, and the fact that the two dorsal fins are connected by a small membrane at the base. The anal fin has three spines, with the second and third being nearly equal in length.
Interesting facts
Despite the name, the White Perch is not a true perch; it is a member of the temperate bass family, Moronidae, making it more closely related to the Striped Bass than to the Yellow Perch.