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Invasive of the Month
By East Kootenay Invasive Species Council
Yellow perch (American perch, Striped perch) are a fish that have been intentionally released in British Columbia as stock fish and from aquariums and private ponds, and accidentally spread by boats and in bait buckets. They are native and widespread East of the Rocky Mountains, from Alberta to Nova Scotia and North to the Northwest Territories.
Yellow perch are predators of other fish species, insects, and tadpoles. They reproduce quickly and may overwhelm and outcompete native predatory fish for food and habitat. They’ve been shown to impact salmon growth and survival, as well as carriers of parasites. Yellow perch are designated as a Regional Containment/Control species by the BC Provincial Priority Invasive Species List.
How to Identify:
Yellow perch are a laterally compressed, oval-shaped fish that typically measure between 10 and 25 cm in length. They can be recognized by the following features:
Coloration: Bright green to olive back, yellow-green sides, and a white belly.
Distinctive Stripes: Approximately seven dark green-brown vertical bands along their sides.
Body Shape: A small hump just behind the head and a forked tail.
Fins: two dorsal (back) fins—the one closest to the head is taller and longer, yellow-green dorsal and caudal (tail) fins and yellow-red pelvic fins.
Impacts:
Yellow perch can significantly disrupt lake ecosystems due to their predatory nature and rapid reproduction. Their presence may lead to:
Declining Biodiversity: They heavily prey on young fish and insects, reducing native populations.
Competition for Resources: Yellow perch compete with native fish, including trout and salmon, for food and habitat.
Threats to Salmonid Species: They can directly prey on trout and salmon fry, negatively affecting salmon growth and survival, particularly in small BC lakes.
Disease Transmission: Yellow perch are known carriers of parasites that can harm other fish species.
Management Strategies:
To prevent the spread of yellow perch and protect native ecosystems, follow these guidelines:
Never transfer or release yellow perch into B.C. waters.
Avoid using live fish as bait to prevent accidental introductions.
Do not release aquarium fish into lakes, rivers, or streams.
Raise awareness about the risks of yellow perch to help prevent their spread.
East Kootenay Invasive Species Council photos
The East Kootenay Invasive Species Council works to minimize the threat of invasive species that impact the environment, the economy and human health in the East Kootenay region of B.C., and we couldn’t do it without you! as a non-profit, we rely on grant funding and the generous support of our community to operate. Your donation will help us continue to protect the East Kootenay from invasive species. Donate here.
