Perch

a genus of fish belonging to the same family as the "wall-eyed pike." The American perch is from six to twelve inches long with well developed fins, a large mouth, and yellow sides with six to eight dark bands across the back. Perch are found in all clear inland water, and, aside from size, are a fine table fish. They bite freely and are depended upon to fill up a string when larger fish fail.

The perch is a very good, and a very bold biting fish. He is one of the fishes of prey that . . . carries his teeth in his mouth, which is very large. . . He has a hooked or hog back . . . and hath, which few other fish have, two fins on his back. He is so bold that he will invade one of his own kind. . . . To affright the pike and save himself, the perch will set up his fins, much like as a turkey-cock will sometimes set up his tail. . . . I will give you but this advice that you give the perch time enough when he bites; for there was scarce ever any angler that has given him too much. And now I think best to rest myself, for I have almost spent my spirits with talking so long.--Walton, The Compleat Angler.