Questions and Answers
Perch belong to what class of bony fish?
Osteichthyes
Are Perch ray-finned or lobe-finned fish?
Name the fins found on the perch and their functions.
Dorsal fin - Stabilizes fish; Caudal fin - Pushes fish through water; Anal fin - Helps with turns; Pelvic fin - Moves fish with directional and sharp turns; Pectoral fin - Controls ups and downs.
Give the function for the swim bladder.
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Describe the external appearance of a yellow perch.
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What is the scientific name for the yellow perch?
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Describe the spawning of yellow perch.
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Name several organs that belong to the digestive system of the perch.
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Describe the heart of a perch and explain blood flow through this organ.
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Where is the lateral line found and what is its job?
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How do you tell the age of a yellow perch?
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Are both jaws of the fish equally movable?
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Does the perch have eyelids?
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How many gills are located on each side of the perch, and what covering protects them?
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What is the function of the gill rakers?
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Explain how gas exchange occurs at the gills.
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Which fin is the largest, and what other difference do you notice in this fin compared to the other fins?
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What is the function of the lateral line?
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Describe how the scales are arranged on the trunk and tail of your fish.
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Explain how the swim bladder controls buoyancy.
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Study Notes
Perch Classification and Anatomy
- Perch belong to the class Osteichthyes, known as bony fish.
- They are ray-finned fish, characterized by fins supported by spiny rays of cartilage, enhancing their speed in water.
Fin Functions
- Dorsal fin: Provides stabilization.
- Caudal fin: Propels the fish through water.
- Anul fin: Aids in making turns.
- Pelvic fin: Facilitates directional movement and sharp turns.
- Pectoral fin: Controls vertical movement.
Swim Bladder Function
- The swim bladder provides buoyancy, enabling the fish to regulate its position in water by rising or sinking.
- It also helps maintain gas concentration in the fish's blood.
External Appearance
- Yellow perch display a yellow to brassy green hue with 6 to 8 dark vertical saddles and a white to yellow underbelly.
Scientific Classification
- The scientific name for yellow perch is Perca flavescens.
Spawning Behavior
- Yellow perch spawn between mid-April and early May, laying eggs over vegetation in large, gelatinous adhesive masses without parental care.
Digestive System Components
- Key organs of the perch's digestive system include the small intestine, large intestine, and stomach.
Circulatory System
- The perch has a two-chambered heart that pumps blood through a closed circulatory system, with blood entering the auricle and exiting through the ventricle.
Sensory Structures
- The lateral line, located along each side of the body, detects vibrations in the surrounding water.
Age Determination
- The age of a yellow perch can be determined by counting the growth rings on its scales.
Jaw Mobility
- Only the top jaw of the perch is movable, which aids in capturing prey.
Eyelids
- Perch do not have eyelids.
Gill Structure
- Each side of the perch has one gill, protected by a bony covering called the operculum.
Gill Rakers Function
- Gill rakers are bony structures that exist on the gill arch and assist in filtering tiny prey.
Gas Exchange Process
- Gas exchange occurs at the gills as dissolved oxygen diffuses across the gill walls.
Fin Characteristics
- The caudal fin is the largest fin, essential for propulsion through water.
Scale Arrangement
- Scales on the trunk and tail become increasingly spiky when touched, reflecting their unique arrangement.
Buoyancy Control via Swim Bladder
- The swim bladder is typically filled with air, allowing the fish to control its buoyancy effectively.
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Description
Test your knowledge on the anatomy and classification of Perch with these flashcards. This quiz covers key features of Perch, including their classification as bony fish and the functions of their fins. Perfect for students studying marine biology or fish anatomy.