Perch
Perch Dissection PAP- Bio P.7 April 8, 2014- T. Li
Perca Flavescens
Perches (known as Yellow perch; lake perch) are an order of Perciformes. They belong to the kingdom Animalia, under the phylum Chordata, and sub phylum vertebrata. Perch is a common name for fish of the genus Perca, freshwater game fish belonging to the family Percidae. The perch lend their name to a large order of vertebrates: the perciformes, from the Greek perke meaning spotted, and the Latin forma meaning shape. Many species of freshwater game fish more or less resemble perch, but belong to different genera. In fact, the exclusively saltwater dwelling red drum is often referred to as a red perch, though by definition perch are freshwater fish. Though many fish are referred to as perch as a common name, to be considered a true perch, the fish must be of the family Percidae.
Adult perch are usually golden yellow, young are whitish. They can grow up to 10- 25.5 cm in length. The growth of perch varies greatly from one body of water to another.
Objective
Students will be learning the external and internal anatomy of a perch. Students will focus on the organs, structures, and functions of different parts of the perch. Students will also learn and understand the relationship to one another and the placement of the organs.
Perch Life Cycle
Perches tend to move upstream during migration to lay their eggs, and move downstream to feed in lakes.
Habitat
Perches mainly live in freshwater lakes, but some live in saltwater lakes like the red perch.
Predators
Bigger fish such as walleye, pike, and muskies, as well as large mouth bass, and large birds such as storks.
Food Habits
Young perch mainly feed on zoo-plankton, then as they grow they switch to benthic macro-invertebrates and finally fish. Their mouth is sub-terminal which makes it easy for them to feed at the bottom.
External Anatomy
anterior dorsal fin, posterior dorsal fin, pectoral fin, pelvic fin, anal fin, and tail fin.
Internal Anatomy
swim bladder, liver, stomach, ovary, spleen, heart, gills slits, intestines, kidney.
Circulatory System
ingestion, digestion, absorption. mouth, esophagus, stomach, intestines.
Cited Links
Evolution of a Perch
Economic Impotance
Perch are economically important in terms of a food source and recreation. They support commercial fishery in Lake Michigan, Lake Erie, and Lake Heron.