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Silver Perch

Bairdiella chrysoura

Appearance

silver perch
  • Silvery or greenish-blue back, fading to silvery-yellow sides and belly
  • Fins are yellow or dusky
  • 5 to 6 chin pores
  • Finely serrated preopercle (cheek bone)
  • Lacks spots, large canine teeth and barbels on lower jaw

Similar Species: Sand seatrout, C. arenarius (has canine teeth and lacks chin pores)

Size: Up to 12 inches

Habitat

Coastal waters; may enter freshwater

Behavior

Spawning takes place in shallow, saline portions of bays and other inshore areas, peaking between May and September. Matures by second or third year (by 6 inches). Adults eat crustaceans and small fishes. May live to 6 years.

Additional Information

State Record: This species is not currently eligible for a state record. 

Recreational Regulations

 

Image Credit: © Diane Rome Peebles