White Perch

Description:

White perch may reach a mature length of 19 inches but are more commonly found around 7 to 10 inches, weighing from 8 ounces to 1 pound. Generally silvery-white in color, hence the name, depending upon habitat and size specimens have begun to develop a darker shade near the dorsal fin and along the top of the fish. White perch are bottom-oriented fish and predaceous carnivores whose diet consists of crabs, shrimp, and small fishes, Juveniles feed on aquatic insects and small crustaceans. White perch spawn from April through June in fresh to low-salinity waters of large rivers over fine gravel or sand. Eggs usually hatch from 1 to 6 days after fertilization. Juveniles use inshore areas of estuaries and creeks downstream of their spawning area during the first summer and fall. Adults tend to inhabit open waters close to shore, but may also frequent quiet streams well up into the tributaries from March - November.

Habitat:

White perch are semi-anadromous members of the family, Moronidae, that migrate to tidal fresh and slightly brackish waters each spring to spawn.