Perch
47325
225196311
2008-07-12T11:59:30Z
195.148.188.92
ro
{{otheruses1|the genus of fish}}
{{Taxobox
| name = Perch
| image = YellowPerch.jpg
| image_width = 250px
| image_caption = [[Yellow perch]] ''(Perca flavescens)''
| regnum = [[Animal]]ia
| phylum = [[Chordate|Chordata]]
| classis = [[Actinopterygii]]
| ordo = [[Perciformes]]
| familia = [[Percidae]]
| type = Bony Fish
| genus = '''''Perca'''''
| genus_authority = [[Carolus Linnaeus|Linnaeus]], 1758
| subdivision_ranks = Species
| subdivision =
* ''[[Yellow perch|P. flavescens]]'' (Yellow perch)
* ''[[European perch|P. fluviatilis]]'' (European perch)
* ''[[Balkhash perch|P. schrenkii]]'' (Balkhash perch)
}}
'''''Perca''''' is the genus of fish referred to as '''perch''' or, sometimes, '''yellow perch''', a group of freshwater [[fish]] belonging to the family [[Percidae]]. Perch, of which there are three species in different geographical areas, lend their name to a large order of [[vertebrate]]s: the [[Perciform]]es, from the [[Greek language|Greek]] ''perke'' meaning perch, and the [[Latin]] ''forma'' meaning shape.
Perch have "rough" or [[ctenoid]] scales. On the anterior side of the head are the maxilla and lower mandible for the mouth, a pair of nostrils, and two lidless [[eye]]s. On the posterior sides are the opercula, which are used to protect the [[gill]]s. Also there is the lateral line system which is sensitive to vibrations in the water. They have a pair of pectoral and pelvic fins. On the anterior end of the fish, there are two dorsal fins. The first one is spiny and the second is soft. There is also an anal fin, which is also considered spiny, and a caudal fin. Also there is a cloacal opening right behind the anal fin. All perciform fish share the perch's general morphology.'''
The [[type species]] for this genus is the [[European perch]].
==Angling==
Perch are a popular coarse fish and are also considered to be good for eating. They can be caught with a variety of methods, but the two best methods are perhaps float fishing and lure fishing. Spinners work exceptionally well. When Float Fishing, the angler will want to have a disgorger at all times; Perch are notorious for swallowing the hook, and will need aid of a disgorger or forceps for unhooking. In many parts of the world they are also a favorite species among ice fishermen. They will take a variety of baits, including minnows, worms, maggots, bread and softshell crayfish.
Perch grow to around {{convert|5|lb|abbr=on}} or more, but the most common fish to be caught are around {{convert|1|lb|abbr=on}} or less, and anything over {{convert|2|lb|abbr=on}} is considered a prize catch.
==Species==
Most authorities recognize three species of perch:
* The [[European perch]] (''Perca fluviatilis'') is found in [[Europe]] and [[Asia]]. It is usually dark green with red fins. The European perch has been successfully introduced in [[New Zealand]] and [[Australia]] where it is known as the redfin perch or English perch.
* The [[Balkhash perch]] (''Perca schrenkii'') is found in [[Kazakhstan]], (in [[Lake Balkhash]] and [[Lake Alakol]]), [[Uzbekistan]], and [[China]]. It is very similar to the European perch, and grows to a comparable size.
* The [[Yellow perch]] (''Perca flavescens''), smaller and paler than the [[European perch]], is found in the [[United States]] and [[Canada]].
For other perch not in the ''Perca'' genus, see [[Perch (disambiguation)]].
==References==
<references/>
* [[Lance Gilbertson|Gilberson, Lance]], ''Zooslogy Lab Manual 4th edition''. [[Primis Custom Publishing]]. 1999.
[[Category:Percidae]]
[[Category:Edible fish]]
[[Category:Sport fish]]
[[Category:Vermont cuisine]]
[[bg:Костур (риба)]]
[[be:Акунь]]
[[be-x-old:Акунь]]
[[cs:Okoun]]
[[da:Aborre]]
[[de:Flussbarsch]]
[[es:Perca fluviatilis]]
[[fr:Perca (poisson)]]
[[io:Perko]]
[[it:Perca fluviatilis]]
[[la:Perca]]
[[lt:Ešerys]]
[[hu:Sügér]]
[[nl:Baars]]
[[no:Abbor]]
[[nn:Åbor]]
[[pl:Okoń]]
[[pt:Perca (peixe)]]
[[ro:Biban (peşte)]]
[[ru:Окуни]]
[[fi:Ahven]]
[[sv:Abborre]]
[[tr:Tatlısu levreği]]
[[uk:Окунь звичайний]]perch