The Perch is a deep bodied fish with two large and erect dorsal fins, the first fin having an array of strong and sharp spines. There are two other less obvious spines, one on each gill cover, which quickly become known to the unwary angler who handles his catch carelessly!
Does a perch have spikes?
Perch have two dorsal fins and the front one is reinforced with long, sharp spines. There is also a spine on the rear of each gill cover. These spines are not poisonous like those of a weever fish but they can draw blood if the fish is handled carelessly and the puncture wound can become infected.
Where are the spikes on a perch?
On the back of the fish is a spiky dorsal fin. The spikes are not venomous but they can prick the skin if the perch is not handled carefully.
Which fins on a perch have spines?
Fishes within the perch family have fins with both soft rays and stiff spines. The dorsal fin, located in the middle of the back, is divided into two sections; the front section is spiny and the rear section is soft rayed. The anal fin has two spines in front.
Do perch have sharp scales?
The second dorsal fin is soft-rayed. The anal fin has only one or two spines. Like the sunfishes, the perches have ctenoid scales, which make the fish feel rough. The back edge of the gill cover, or opercle, has a single sharp spine.
Do perch have barbs?
The spiny anterior dorsal fin has 13 to 15 spines. The soft rear fins also have one or two spines, but which are mostly made up of rays that range from 12 to 15 in number.
Do yellow perch have spines?
As with all percid fishes, yellow perch have two dorsal fins. The anterior is convex in shape and consists of 11-15 spines. The posterior dorsal fin has a straight margin, consisting of one or two spines and 12-16 rays.
Do perch pectoral fins have spines?
Yellow Perch, Perca flavescens
Its belly is cream to white and the pelvic, pectoral, and anal fins are pale to bright orange. The yellow perch has two dorsal fins that are not continuos and the first is spiny rayed. Spines are also present on the pectoral anal fins, and opercula tip.
Are perch aggressive?
Perch are naturally aggressive and should be kept alone. Adding other types of fish to the aquarium (or even other perch) may lead to fighting.
Is perch good to eat?
Perch is GREAT to eat. Hands down, my favourite fish meat is the white, flaky variety and Perch falls into that variety. This category also includes Walleye, Pike, Crappie, Sunfish, and even Rock Bass in the freshwater world.
Why are perch called perch?
Overview and description. Perciformes, the order to which perch belong, is the most diverse order of ray-finned fish (Actinopterygii). Indeed, about 40 percent of all species of bony fish are in Perciformes. The name Perciformes comes from the Greek perke, meaning “perch,” and the Latin forma, meaning “shape.”
Are perch chordates?
Chordates: amphioxus, tunicate, perch, frog, rat – biology 11 portfolio.
Where are yellow perch found?
Yellow perch are found in ponds, lakes, and slow ? owing rivers, most commonly found in clear water near vegetation.