Can a Perch Perch?
Perch Dissection (No, they cannot perch)
Perca fluviatilis
The Perca fluviatilis, or (European) Perch, belongs to the kingdom Animalia under the phylum Chordata. It is greenish in color and has one caudal fin, two dorsal fins, one anal fin, two pelvic fins, and two pectoral fins.
Perch are commonly found in a wide range of habitats such as small ponds, lakes, streams, or rivers. In these habitats, perch feed on smaller fish, shellfish, or insect larvae, but can be easily caught by fishermen with any bait. In fact, Lake Erie is popularly known by fishermen for its large amount of perch.
Lake Erie and Perch!
Objectives
- Learn about the internal and external anatomy of the perch.
- Focus on the circulatory system of the perch and its organs.
Dissection of the Perch
Before the Dissection
Not dissected yet, just an observation of the outside of the perch.
Uncut Perch
A closer look at the perch's external features.
The Perch Dissected!
The insides of the perch are uncovered for all to see.
External Anatomy
The external parts of a perch include the following: eye, mouth, pectoral fins, pelvic fins, scales, vent, anal fin, lateral line, caudal fin, soft dorsal fin, spiny dorsal fin, and operculum.
Internal Anatomy
The internal parts of a perch include the following: pharynx, heart, liver, spleen, pancreas, ovary, intestine, swim bladder, anus, bladder, dorsal aorta, kidney, stomach, spinal cord, and brain.
Circulatory System
The circulatory system of a perch consists of the following: artery, arteriole, capillary beds, venule, vein, atrium and ventricle (the heart), and gill capillaries.
The Circulatory System of a Perch
How does it work?
The circulatory system of the perch is a typical low pressure single type system in which the heart is a single pump and there is a single circuit of blood flow. Oxygen-poor blood from the body is pumped through the heart forward to the gills. From the gills, where it is oxygenated, the blood goes directly to the body. Thus the blood makes a single circuit during which it is pumped, oxygenated, and distributed to the body, before it returns to the heart.
More Information on the Perch!
Works Cited
- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Perch
- http://www.fishbase.org/summary/Perca-fluviatilis.html
- http://www.loughs-agency.org/freshwater-environment/species/european-perch/
- http://www.schooltube.com/video/ad415e6708e54ea19266/Perch-Dissection-Video
- http://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/fisheries/pests-diseases/freshwater-pests/species/redfin-perch