White Perch

(Morone americana)

The White Perch is a smaller relative of the Striped Bass.  The White Perch is one of the most common species occurring in the Patuxent River at King’s Landing Park.  The White Perch is a predator, feeding upon smaller fish, shrimp, and insects.  This is a popular pan fish for local fishermen at the park.  Be careful if handling a White Perch, as one of their defense mechanisms is to raise their spiny dorsal fin when alarmed.  The sharp spines can be a painful reminder of this fishes method of protection from predators.  Gentle handling of this fish is important for the handler and the handlee!  Like its relative the rockfish, the White Perch is built for speed.  Its stream-lined body enable it to capture the food that it needs to survive as well as to evade predators.  The White Perch has some commercial value and may be sold in your local fish market.