PERCH, WHITE

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PERCH, WHITE

Scientific Name: 
Morone americana
Salt/Fresh: 
Fresh
Also Known As: 
Narrow-mouthed Bass; Sea Perch; WHITE PERCH; Black-back
Rating: 
Countries: 
Other Countries
United States
Description: 

The White Perch is not a true perch but is, rather, a fish of the temperate bass family, Moronidae, notable as a food and game fish in eastern North America.  The raw meat is of a somewhat pinkish hue, but when cooked, it is white and flaky. At times, a parasite known as Lironeca ovalis is located in the gills. They are only known to reduce the growing rate of White Perch.

How To Identify: 

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. This sometimes earns them the nickname "black-back". White Perch have been reported up to 49.5 cm (19.5 in.) in length and weighing 2.2 kg (4.8 lbs.).

How To Catch: 

Fishing Methods for the White Perch are bait casting and still fishing. White Perch are an important recreational species, especially in the upper Chesapeake Bay and its tidal tributaries. White Perch are taken in nearly all types of fishing gear typically used on the Bay. They  are available to anglers from shore and from boats because they are widely distributed among a variety of habitats, including inshore waters. Catches are greatest during the spring spawning season and from September through November.

Where Found: 

Internationally

Although favoring brackish waters, it is also found in fresh water and coastal areas from the St. Lawrence River and Lake Ontario south to the Pee Dee River in South Carolina, and as far east as Nova Scotia. They are also found in the lower Great Lakes and Chesapeake Bay.

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