Perch is a common name for freshwater fish from the genus Perca, which belongs to the family Percidae of the large order Perciformes.
The name comes from Greek: πέρκη, romanized: perke, meaning the type species of this genus, the European perch (P. fluviatilis).
Perch have long and narrow kidneys that contain clusters of nephrons which empty into the mesonephric duct.
[9] They have a two-chambered heart consisting of four compartments: the sinus venous, one atrium, one ventricle, and conus.
In perch, the duct connecting the swim bladder to the pharynx is closed so air is unable to pass through from the mouth, these fish are called physoclists.
[9] Perch are classified as carnivores, choosing waters where smaller fish, shellfish, zooplankton, and insect larvae are abundant.
[13][14] The yellow perch can be found in the central parts of the United States in freshwater ponds, lakes, streams, or rivers.
Fly fishing for perch using patterns that imitate small fry or invertebrates can be successful.