The Perch
Perch Dissection - Vu - PAP Bio - 2 - 4/8/14
Objective
The objective of this dissection is to observe the internal and external anatomy of a perch, and learn about its place in the ecosystem.
About the Perch
Perches can be found in the fresh waters of Eurasia and North America. They move around depending on the time of year or day. They are carnivorous. The perch is very popular among fishermen, both for sport and food. Perches are very adaptable and can live in almost any type of fresh water. They also have special teeth called palatines that allow them to eat smaller fish.
Scientific Classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Osteichthyes
Order: Perciformes
Genus: Perca
Species: Perca flavescens
Habitat
Native to Eurasia and North America. Fresh water. Moves around depending on season.
Predators
Larger fish, birds, and other fish-eating animals (humans included) prey on the perch.
Prey
The perch eats small fish and insects.
Dissection
Bony Fish (Perch) Anatomy
External Anatomy
gills, scales, fins, eyes, mouth, anus
Internal Anatomy
brain, esophagus, kidney, stomach, heart, liver, bladder, anus, gonad, gall bladder
Circulatory System
heart, ventricles, arteries, veins, capillaries
Circulatory System
The circulatory system is a low pressure, single loop system. The blood becomes oxygenated once it passes by the gills, then continues on the loop back to the heart. The heart has two chambers and contains four parts. All veins, ventricles, arteries, and capillaries are in charge of letting blood flow through the heart in the cycle.