What is the perch fish?

Perch, any of numerous freshwater and marine fishes in the family Percidae, order Perciformes, characterized by a spiny dorsal fin and two anal fins. Most perches are of moderate size, averaging about 15 to 30 cm (6 to 12 inches) long. They have long, slender, streamlined bodies; small, hard, sharp-edged scales; and two nostrils on each side of the snout. Perches typically inhabit weed beds, fallen trees, and other cover in clear, well-oxygenated water. They feed on insects, crustaceans, and small fish.

Several perch species are important as food and sport fish. The yellow perch (Perca flavescens) is found throughout Canada and the northern United States. It is a popular panfish, caught for both food and sport. The walleye (Sander vitreus) is a larger, more northerly species found in Canada and the Great Lakes region of the United States. It is a valuable commercial fish and a popular sport fish.

Other notable perch species include the sauger (Sander canadensis), found in the Mississippi River basin and the Great Lakes region; the European perch (Perca fluviatilis), found in Europe; and the redfin perch (Plectropomus maculatus), found in the Indo-Pacific region.

Perches are valuable fishes that play an important role in the aquatic food web. They are also popular as food and sport fish.