Fauna
Fish

Yellow Perch

Perca flavescens

Also known as Striped Perch, American Perch, Preacher

Yellow perch roam freshwater lakes and slow rivers in dense schools, synchronizing their movements among weed beds to ambush aquatic prey. During spring spawning runs, females release buoyant, accordion-folded ribbon strands of gelatinous eggs that drape over submerged vegetation and submerged branches. Highly adaptable across seasons, these hardy fish remain actively feeding under thick winter ice, making them a staple of northern aquatic ecosystems.

FreshwaterSchoolingCarnivorous
Yellow Perch reference1 / 7
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—observations
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Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preyMayfly Nymphs, Amphipods, Fathead Minnows
Predators
  • Walleye
  • Northern Pike
  • Double-crested Cormorant
ThreatsPollution, habitat loss, overharvesting, and invasive competitors like round gobies
HabitatsLakes, ponds, reservoirs, and slow-moving rivers with aquatic vegetation
Life span9–11 years
Classification
  1. OrderPerciformes
  2. FamilyPercidae
  3. GenusPerca
  4. SpeciesPerca flavescens
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is low
Safe to observe at a normal distance.
Responsible observation
  • Observation Timing: Scan shallow vegetated margins during morning and evening when schools actively forage.
  • Careful Handling: Mind the stiff, sharp spiny rays of the front dorsal fin when holding caught fish.
Related species
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