The Dish on the Fish
By: Sydney Moore
Objective: To get familiar with the outside and inside anatomy of a Perch
Background
The perch is a very odd yet interesting animal. It's full scientific name is Perca Flavescens and it is phylum Chordata. Although it is a fish, they are Perch are very poor swimmers that live in fresh water. They can be found in lakes, rivers, or streams, but they are mostly found in the Great Lakes. Specifically, these fish live in the banks of these bodies of water in the vegetation in order to be protected by their predators. Perch lay their eggs in the strands of the rivers or streams and do not raise them. These omnivorous fish eat algae and aquatic insects at early ages then start to eat crayfish, snails, small fish and insects, etc, at later stages. Perches are prey for many animals including larger fish like the Large-mouth Bass, Eagles, Gulls, and Kingfishers. These fish have adapted in many ways including, traveling in large schools to defend against predators, living close to the shore to avoid being prey, and fins and a stream-like body to help them glide through the water.
Selfie with a Perch
That's one huge fish!
A Perch
A behind the scenes look
The Circulatory System
Food Chain
The Blood Path
Perch Cladogram
Distinguishing Features of a Perch
2. Anal fin has two long and slender spines
3. Dorsal fin divided into spiny portions
4. Golden yellow or brass green sides
5. White or yellow underbelly
Distinguishing Features Part 1
Distinguishing Features Part 2
Perch Before the Disection
Fish Fun Facts
2. They are caught very frequently because they like the baited hooks
3. Perch lay their eggs in the spring time
4. Live in water that is 20-25 degrees Celsius
5. Some Perch are cannibals