ODNR Division of Wildlife - A to Z Species Guide - Fish - Trout-perch

 Trout-perch

Trout-perch are native to Ohio and as the name suggests they have characteristics of both trout and perch.

Trout-perch
Percopsis omiscomaycus

At-a-Glance

• Family: Percopsidae (Trout-perches)

• Other Names: None

• Ohio Status: No special status

• Adult Size: Typically 2-4 inches, can reach 5 inches.

• Typical Foods: Insect larvae, crustaceans, and other invertebrates.
Description
The trout-perch, as the name suggests, share characteristics of both trout and perch. They are the only Ohio species of fish with a adipose fin like a trout and rough scales like a perch. They have a row of spots down the center of their back and a row along each side. There are additional spots scattered on the upper sides between these two rows. They are a straw yellow color on the upper sides and back and usually have a silvery streak down their side with a light cream or white colored belly.

Habitat and Habits
Trout-perch are almost always found in areas with a sandy bottom. They are common in Lake Erie and the lower part of its larger tributaries. They can also be found in long slow pools of streams and rivers of inland Ohio. They are most common in southeast Ohio and are absent from the northwest part of the state except in the lower part of Lake Erie tributaries such as the Maumee River. Trout-perch tend to stay in deeper water during the day and move into shallows at night to feed.

Reproduction and Care of the Young
The trout-perch spawn sometime between May and August over sand and fine gravel substrates.