Either of two species (family Percidae, order Perciformes) of popular food and sport fishes: the Eurasian common perch ( Perca fluviatilis ) or the North American yellow perch ( P. flavescens ).
Some consider the two a single species. Both have one spiny and one soft-rayed dorsal fin. Perches are carnivores of quiet ponds, lakes, streams, and rivers. The common perch is greenish, with dark vertical bars on the sides and reddish in the lower fins. It grows to 6 lbs (3 kg), rarely more. The yellow perch, similar but yellower, grows to about 15 in. (40 cm) and weighs up to 2 lbs (1 kg); it is a popular game fish. See also sauger , sea bass , walleye .