A Fish Found Almost Everywhere

Perch fish are freshwater species belonging to the family Percidae. With more than 6,000 species and over 150 families, they are spread across many different parts of the world. Their natural range stretches from Thailand, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam, Southern China, Taiwan, the Philippines, and Cambodia. They are also found in Europe, Nigeria, Mississippi, South Carolina, Hudson Bay, Chesapeake Bay, Nova Scotia, and along the Atlantic coast.

These fish are also known by many common names, usually tied to the place where they come from. They have unique body features that set them apart from other fish.

Common Species

This is a list of the most common perch species along with their scientific names.

  • Anabas testudineus, Climbing perch
  • Perca fluviatilis, European perch
  • Perca schrenkii, Balkhash perch
  • Perca flavescens, Yellow perch
  • Macquaria ambigua, Golden perch
  • Bidyanus bidyanus, Silver perch
  • Leiopotherapon unicolor, Spangled perch
  • Morone americana, White perch
European perch (Perca fluviatilis) showing distinctive green body and dark banding
The European perch (Perca fluviatilis) is one of the most widespread species, found across Europe and much of Asia.

Appearance

The anatomy and features of perch fish vary from species to species. Studies show that these fish grow to an average size of 10-20 inches. Their color also varies by breed, they have been named accordingly as yellow, golden, or silver perch.

Yellow perches have the most distinctive features, with 6-8 dark bands across their sides over a yellow or golden base color. Perch fish also have a very long and strong spine.

Climbing perches have torpedo-shaped heads with an elongated body. They have a colorful, muddy look with olive-colored scales. They use their pectoral fins, caudal peduncle, and gill covers for movement. They also have spines over their gill covers that work as a defense. Their appearance also includes a large mouth with sharp teeth, slender bodies, short heads, and blunt snouts.

A climbing perch (Anabas testudineus) on a muddy riverbank, showing olive scales and gill cover spines
The climbing perch (Anabas testudineus) is famous for moving short distances over land using its fins and gill covers. Those gill-cover spines double as a defense against predators.

Habitat and Lifestyle

Perch fish have a lifestyle known as semi-anadromous, they can migrate to tidal water and brackish water too. As freshwater fish, they are mainly found in ponds, lakes, and rivers. During winter, they tend to drift toward the downstream parts of rivers.

For anyone keeping perch fish as pets, the aquarium temperature should be between 20°C and 25°C and the tank should be well planted. Perch have a predatory nature.

Take the Perch Fish Quiz!

5 quick questions. How much do you know about these colorful freshwater fish?

Diet

Perch fish mostly feed on invertebrates. They are either omnivorous or herbivorous, depending on the species. They feed mainly on planktonic crustaceans. Aquatic insect larvae and corals are also part of their diet. Young perch larvae feed mostly on cladocerans, copepods, and zooplankton. Larger perches will also consume smaller fish.

Frequently Asked Questions

What family do perch fish belong to?

Percidae

How big do perch fish grow?

10-20 inches on average

When do perch fish spawn?

April and May, in shallow water

What do perch fish eat?

Invertebrates, planktonic crustaceans, insect larvae, and (when larger) smaller fish

Can perch fish live on land?

The climbing perch (Anabas testudineus) can move short distances over land using its pectoral fins, gill covers, and caudal peduncle.

Reproduction

The perch fish spawning season falls between April and May. The female is larger in size, while the male is darker in color with a distinctive anal fin. They spawn in shallow water.

Aquariums need plenty of plants because perch shed their eggs in long gelatinous rows, wrapping them under tree roots or aquatic plants. Their spawning is vigorous. Once they have spawned, the adults must be removed from the tank, they will eat the eggs. The young fry need green water and egg yolk paste as their first food.

Yellow perch releasing long ribbon-like egg strands around aquatic plants during spring spawning
During the April, May spawning season, female perch release eggs in long, ribbon-like gelatinous strands draped over aquatic plants or roots.

Uses as Food

Perch fish are eaten all over the world and generate substantial income for commercial fish farming. Many fishing methods have been developed to catch them. The most common techniques are lure fishing and float fishing. This species is considered very cunning, so anglers use subtle, careful approaches to catch them.

If you're interested in fishing, perch make a great target for recreational anglers. You can also learn about other fish species that are kept as pets or caught for sport.

Explore More Animals

Types of FishTypes of FishThere are over 32,000 species of fish, more than all other vertebrates combined. Discover how fish are classified by species and habitat, plus the fish we keep Crayfish Habitat: Where Do Crayfish Live?Crayfish Habitat: Where Do Crayfish Live?Crayfish are freshwater crustaceans that are used for many purposes, which includes keeping them as pets. This article provides information on crayfish habitat, A List of Different Types of Barracuda Fish, With PicturesA List of Different Types of Barracuda Fish, With PicturesThe barracuda is nicknamed the 'Tiger of the Sea'. Meet the Great, Yellowtail, Blackfin, Yellowmouth and Mexican barracuda, plus the full list of more than 20 A Visual Guide on How to Identify Various Types of Snapper FishA Visual Guide on How to Identify Various Types of Snapper FishSnappers are one of the most popular fish in the seafood industry. Learn how to identify all 17 commonly known snapper varieties by their colors, fins, stripes,