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Perca flavescens (Mitchill, 1814)
Yellow Perch
Family: Percidae

Photograph

© Ian Gardiner     (Photo ID #14101)

Map


Click on the map to view a larger version.
Source: Distribution map provided by Don McPhail for E-Fauna BC

Species Information

This is a small species of perch (adults usually <300 mm) with laterally compressed in cross section, with 6-8 dark vertical bars on the sides, 2 spines, 6-8 soft rays in the anal fin; small teeth in bruch-like patches on the jaws and roof of the mouth. For further information and a discussion of similar species, refer to McPnail (2008).
Source: McPail, J. D. 2008. The Freshwater Fishes of British Columbia. University of Alberta Press, Edmonton.

Biology

Species Biology

Inhabits lakes, ponds, pools of creeks, and rivers. Also found in brackish water and in salt lakes. Most commonly found in clear water near vegetation; tends to shoal near the shore during spring (Ref. 9988, 10294). Feeds on immature insects, larger invertebrates, fishes and fish eggs during the day. Preyed upon by fishes and birds (Ref. 1998). Spawns between February and July in the northern hemisphere and between August and October in the southern hemisphere (Ref. 10999). Neither anterolateral glandular groove nor venom gland is present (Ref. 57406)

Source: FishBase. Page, L.M. and B.M. Burr 1991 A field guide to freshwater fishes of North America north of Mexico. Houghton Mifflin Company, Boston. 432 p

Distribution

BC Distribution and Notes

Most B.C. populations of this species are introduced; however, it is possible that the Swan Lake population near Tupper in the Peace Region is native. It is indigenous to Peace River drainages in adjacent Alberta and was first recorded from Swan Lake in B.C. in the 1950s.

Source: Information provided by Don McPhail for E-Fauna BC.
Global Distribution

North America: Atlantic, Arctic, Great Lakes, and Mississippi River basins from Nova Scotia and Quebec west to Great Slave Lake in Northwest Territories in Canada, and south to Ohio, Illinois and Nebraska in the USA; south in Atlantic drainages to Santee River in South Carolina, USA.

Source: FishBase. Page, L.M. and B.M. Burr 1991 A field guide to freshwater fishes of North America north of Mexico. Houghton Mifflin Company, Boston. 432 p
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Status Information

Origin StatusProvincial StatusBC List
(Red Blue List)
COSEWIC
ExoticSUUnknownNot Listed



BC Ministry of Environment: BC Species and Ecosystems Explorer--the authoritative source for conservation information in British Columbia.

Additional Range and Status Information Links