White Perch

An angler showing off a recently caught White Perch. Photo by ©Tim Aldridge

A recently caught White Perch. Photo by ©Tim Aldridge

Fact File

Scientific Name: Morone americana

Classification: Fish, Order Perciformes, Family Moronidae

Size: White Perch can surpass 10 inches within Virginia's waters

Life Span: White Perch in Virginia live anywhere from 4 to 7 years, depending on location

Identifying Characteristics

A white and brown with brown fins laying on its side inside a fishing net.

A White Perch being processed during an electrofishing survey. Photo by ©Scott Herrmann – DWR

Deep-bodied
Moderately forked caudal fin
Dorsal fins are narrowly joined by a thin membrane
Relatively large, terminal mouth
Silver to brassy in color

Moronidae Characteristics and Anatomical Terms

Illustrated fish naming the anatomy - Large mouth, first dorsal has spins, two dorsal fins, second dorsal is soft, three spines on anal fin, one or two spikes on opercular flap, one spine on pelvic fin.

A diagram of two illustrated fish. The first, on the left, names the parts of the fish - Opercular flap, dorsal fin, caudal fin, caudal peduncle, anal fin, pelvic fin, and pectoral fin. The second, on the right, has a horizontal and vertical arrow names the areas of the fish - Anterior, dorsal, posterior, and ventral.

Illustrations by ©Makayla Haggard

Distribution

The White Perch is native to the Atlantic Ocean, Chesapeake Bay, and all Atlantic slope drainages within the Commonwealth of Virginia. It has been introduced elsewhere as a productive forage base for larger species of fish as well as its popularity among anglers.

Map of virginia displaying which areas the white perch range is. It is native to central to the eastern parts or the states and was introduced to parts of the mid-south western part of the state.

Habitat

White Perch can often be found inhabiting the muddy flats of Virginia’s larger waterbodies. They often feed and travel in schools, targeting habitats with submerged aquatic vegetation.

Native populations of White Perch have an anadromous reproductive strategy, which means they spend most of their adult lives in saltwater environments, but return to freshwater tributaries in order to spawn and complete the reproductive cycle.

Diet

White Perch are generalist feeders. They will opportunistically consume many food items such as fish, crustaceans, worms, plant matter, insects, and other small organisms.

Last updated: March 19, 2025

The Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources Species Profile Database serves as a repository of information for Virginia’s fish and wildlife species. The database is managed and curated by the Wildlife Information and Environmental Services (WIES) program. Species profile data, distribution information, and photography is generated by the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources, State and Federal agencies, Collection Permittees, and other trusted partners. This product is not suitable for legal, engineering, or surveying use. The Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources does not accept responsibility for any missing data, inaccuracies, or other errors which may exist. In accordance with the terms of service for this product, you agree to this disclaimer.