Perch Parts
Isabelle Schmidt Perch Dissection Vu Pap Bio April 8, 2014
Today's Objectives
We will be learning the external and internal anatomy, including a first hand look at the internal organs. We will be particularly looking at the circulatory system, as well as the different fins of the fish.
Where does the Perch fit in?
Perch is the common name for the genus Perca, in which there are three species.Perch are found in the phylum Chordata, and Subphylum Vertebrata because they have a vertebral column. They belong to the class Osteichthyes (bony fish) due to their bony endoskeleton, well developed respiratory system using gills, swim bladder, paired fins, ectothermic body and aquatic habitat.
The Perch-ect Life
What do perch eat?
Perch are carnivorous fish. These fish feed on smaller fish, shellfish, or insect larvae.
Habitat/ Niche
Perch are most commonly found in small ponds, lakes, streams, or rivers. Perch can be found all over the world, yet they are most likely found in the Great Lakes. They are carnivores and are hunted for food and sport.
Adaptations
Perch have a swim bladder, which is a gas filled organ that helps adjust their buoyancy because their body tissues are more dense than the water around them.
Perch Dissection
Circulatory System
The circulatory system gets blood to all the parts of the body. In perch the circulatory system is closed with a heart that pumps blood through out the body in a single loop from the heart to gills, and gills to the rest of the body. The perch has a heart that consists of four parts:
- Sinus Venosus- where the oxygen poor blood collects
- Atrium- blood enters here from the sinus venosus and then travels into the...
- Ventricle- pumps the blood into the Bulbus arteriosus
- Bulbus Arteriosus- moves blood into ventral aorta and toward the gills.
External Anatomy
More Information
- They are one of the most abundant fish in Chesapeake Bay and will spend their entire lives here.
- White perch are closely related to striped bass.
- The perch likes to eat worms, small fish, nymphs and larvae, as well as many of their own small perch.
- Their striped bodies make it easy for them to hide in aquatic vegetation.