View source for Perch

{{About|the genus of fish}}
{{redirect|Perches|the municipality in Haiti|Perches, Nord-Est}}
{{redirect|The Perch|the pub in Binsey, Oxfordshire|The Perch (Binsey)}}
{{Taxobox
| name = Perch
| image = YellowPerch.jpg
| image_width = 250px
| image_caption = [[Yellow perch]] ''(Perca flavescens)''
| regnum = [[Animal]]ia
| phylum = [[Chordate|Chordata]]
| superclassis = [[Osteichthyes]]
| classis = [[Actinopterygii]]
| ordo = [[Perciformes]]
| familia = [[Percidae]]
| type = Stinky Fish
| genus = '''''Perca'''''
| genus_authority = [[Carl Linnaeus|Linnaeus]], 1758
| subdivision_ranks = Species
| subdivision = 
* ''[[Yellow perch|P. flavescens]]'' (Yellow perch)
* ''[[European perch|P. fluviatilis]]'' (European perch)
* ''[[Balkhash perch|P. schrenkii]]'' (Balkhash perch)
}}

'''''Perca''''' is the genus and species of fish referred to as '''perch''' or, sometimes, '''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 a large order of [[vertebrate]]s: the [[Perciform]]es, from the [[Greek language|Greek]] ''perke'' meaning perch, and the [[Latin]] ''forma'' meaning shape. 

Perch have "rough" or [[ctenoid]] scales. On the anterior side of the head are the maxilla and lower mandible for the mouth, a pair of [[nostril]]s, and two lidless [[eye]]s. On the posterior sides are the opercula, which are used to protect the [[gill]]s. 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]].

==Perch as a food fish==

Perch are a popular species of [[panfish]] and are considered to be very good to eat; the commercial catch for them has always been in high demand.  This has also led to considerable misuse of the term "perch" in the restaurant business in the [[United States]], such as "[[ocean perch]]" (Rosefish) and "rock perch" (a small [[bass (fish)|bass]]). Many restaurants will strive to correctly advertise the offering as "yellow lake perch", or the slightly more ambiguous "lake perch". "[[White perch]]", though similarly popular, is a completely different species of panfish common in [[New England]], and not a member of the family Percidae.

==Angling==

They can be caught with a variety of methods, but the two best methods are perhaps float fishing and lure fishing. the best way is to use a small hook and cast into the weeds just before the drop off. When fishing with a [[Fishing float|float]], the angler will want to have a [[disgorger]]; Perch are notorious for swallowing the hook, and will need aid of a disgorger or forceps for unhooking. In many parts of the world they are also a favorite species among ice fishermen. They will take a variety of baits, including minnows, worms, maggots, bread and softshell crayfish.

Perch grow to around {{convert|5|lb|abbr=on}} or more, but the most common fish to be caught are around {{convert|1|lb|abbr=on}} or less, and anything over {{convert|2|lb|abbr=on}} is considered a prize catch. The British record perch is 6lb, beating the previous one by 1 oz.

==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. In Australia they have bred into larger specimens.

* 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]].

* The [[Golden Perch]] (''Macquaria ambigua''), native to Australia. Usually found west of the Great Dividing Range through the Murray Darling river system. Grows up to {{convert|2|kg|abbr=on}} and {{convert|40|cm|abbr=on}}.

* The [[Silver Perch]] (''Bidyanus bidyanus''), native to Australia. Usually found in the Murray River though have been recorded north in the Darling River. Slightly larger than the [[Golden Perch]].

* The [[Spangled Perch]] (''Leiopotherapon unicolor''), found throughout Australian waters, from pure freshwater to sea water though they spend most their life in fresh water. Considerably smaller than the [[Silver Perch]] and [[Golden Perch]], grows up the {{convert|500|g|abbr=on}} and {{convert|30|cm|abbr=on}}.

For other perch not in the ''Perca'' genus, see [[Perch (disambiguation)]]
.

==References==
<references/>
* [[Lance Gilbertson|Gilberson, Lance]], ''Zooslogy Lab Manual 4th edition''. [[Primis Custom Publishing]]. 1999.

[[Category:Percidae]]
[[Category:Edible fish]]
[[Category:Sport fish]]
[[Category:Vermont cuisine]]

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