Perch Fish Dissection

Here are some facts about the Perch Fish before we begin the dissection process:

• They are carnivorous
• They feed on smaller fish, shellfish, and insect larvae
• They are found in bodies of water such as ponds or streams
• They are most commonly found in the Great Lakes
• Therefore they are a freshwater fish
• They breathe by using their gills. Gills take in water where it flows through the blood. The blood then proceeds to take out the oxygen from the water.

Fun Fact: There are over 6,000 species in the Percidae family.

External Anatomy

Nares on the front of the fish help in the breathing process.
Gills take in water to filter out the oxygen
the pectoral, pelvic, anal, and dorsal fins help the fish swim
while the caudal fin helps it change direction.  

Internal Anatomy

The heart can be difficult to find at first due to it being
underneath the liver. It pumps blood to the body.

The gills are the breathing mechanism for the fish.

They help with the urinary system by removing waste.

 Swim Bladder-helps the fish stay where it needs to be, no sinking or floating.
Stomach- breaks down ingested food.
Liver-aids in the digestion of food by secreting bile.
Muscle- helps in the movement of limbs.
Spleen- filters the blood.
Intestine- takes nutrients from digested food.

Incision Guide

Cut, in a rectangle, just below the dorsal fin,
right before the anal fin, just above the pelvic fin,
past the pectoral fin.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6jwjqhhxjoU