How to Identify a Saltwater Perch

Saltwater Perch come in several varieties that to the amateur fisherman can be hard to identify. These steps will take you through identifying the types of saltwater perch and provide some resources to take with you on your next saltwater fishing adventure.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Identify Yellow Perch

1. Notice the fish's facial coloring, namely its black lips.

2. Observe the coloring on the Yellow Perch's fins--the bottom fins are yellow and all other fins are mostly green with yellow accents.

3. Look for yellow and green tiger striping over most of its body.

Identify Silver Perch

4. Watch for a silvery overall appearance with yellowish fins and tail.

5. Notice that there are no spots, chin barbels or prominent canine teeth at the tip of the upper jaw.

6. Check the size of the fish; it should measure between 4 to 6 inches, but can grow as long as 10 inches.

Identify Sand Perch

7. Look for a slender, cylindrical shape with a large mouth and wide tail.

8. Notice that the fish's overall color is tan with brown vertical blotches and full length horizontal lines of blue and orange.

9. Measure the fish to see it if is an average size of 6 to 8 inches, but no more than 12 inches long.

Tips & Warnings

• Other common names are Coral Fish, Bolo and Squirrelfish.
• Though they are found on both of the U.S. coasts, Sand Perch are not found in the Bahamas.

Resources

• Identifying Fish Cards

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