White Perch
Description
To 19";
4 3/4 lbs. Oblong, moderately compressed, back elevated; back greenish
gray or nearly black; sides paler, sometimes with indistinct stripes;
belly whitish. Head depressed between eyes; lower jaw slightly projecting,
maxilla reaches eye; teeth small, in bands on jaw, vomer, and palantine
bones, not on base of tongue; 2 opercular spines. Dorsal fins barely connected,
first with 8-10 strong spines. Scales extend onto base of median fins
and head.
Habitat
Brackish water in bays
and estuaries; freshwater populations in rivers and lakes especially in
north of range.
Similar Species
Comments
The White Perch is an important sport and game fish,
It's average size is 8" to 10", and the usual weight is 1lb
or less. In 1949 a record catch of 4 3/4 lbs was taken in Messalonshee
Lake, Main. The White Perch probably entered Lake Ontario through the
Erie Barge Canal and the Oswego River. It is a recent immigrant to lake
Erie.
Other
Other