Yellow Perch

Distribution: Yellow perch range from the Great Lakes and upper Mississippi valley, east to North Carolina, and north to Hudson Bay.

Description: Yellow perch have a long, somewhat laterally compressed body with a large head and mouth, which is filled with small needle-like teeth. It is usually golden yellow to green in color, with dark vertical bands.

Species commonly confused with: Walleye

Habitat: The yellow perch is found in ponds, lakes, and slow flowing rivers throughout New Hampshire. It is usually abundant in stands of aquatic vegetation along shorelines in the summer.

Life History: Yellow perch consume a wide variety of invertebrates and small fish species. Spawning takes place in the spring as water temperatures warm along the shorelines. Eggs are strewn in long ribbons over dead vegetation and the branches of fallen trees. Each female is followed by a group of males attempting to fertilize the eggs as they are extruded. Between 3,000 and 60,000 eggs are laid, depending on the size of the female. The abundance of yellow perch in most waters makes them an important forage species for many predators, including loons, otters, and largemouth bass.

Origin: Native