Britannica AI Icon

yellow perch

fish
Also known as: Perca flavescens

Quick Summary

The yellow perch (Perca flavescens) is a common freshwater fish found in North America. It belongs to the perch family and is characterized by yellowish sides with dark green vertical bands.12

Yellow perch have two dorsal fins, with the first being spiny and the second soft-rayed. They are carnivorous and inhabit quiet waters like ponds, lakes, streams, and rivers. During spring, females lay eggs among aquatic plants.2

These fish are popular for both food and sport. While similar to the European perch, the yellow perch is distinct in its coloration and size, typically reaching about 15 inches (40 cm) and weighing up to 2.2 pounds (1 kg).12

Summary created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

Ask Britannica AI about this topic

Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.