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Log perch (Percina caprodes) — Percidae

Log perch

Percina caprodes
Family: Percidae
LC · Least Concern

The Log perch (Percina caprodes) is a freshwater fish of the family Percidae that grows up to 18 cm.

Length
18 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Small groups
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Rivers, streams and lakes of North America.
Edibility
Not eaten

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Description

The logperch (Percina caprodes) is the largest of the North American darters, small perches of the family Percidae. The species has an elongate body with numerous narrow, dark cross-bars forming a zebra-like pattern, and a slightly projecting, knobby snout; it reaches about 18 cm. It is most common over gravel and sand in medium-sized rivers, but also in fast-flowing streams and vegetated lakes. With its snout it flips over stones in search of food and eats the larvae of midges, mayflies and caddisflies, small snails and fish eggs. The eggs are deposited in the substrate.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Log perch?

The Log perch has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly yellow-gold and shows a vertical stripes pattern. Zebra-like banded pattern; turns over stones with the snout in search of food.

Where does the Log perch live?

The Log perch lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Rivers, streams and lakes of North America.

How big does the Log perch get?

The Log perch grows to a maximum of about 18 cm. On average the species is around 13 cm.

Is the Log perch dangerous to humans?

No, the Log perch is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.

Is the Log perch edible?

The Log perch is not usually eaten.

More photos

Log perch (Percina caprodes) — Percidae — 2
Steven Wang (CC BY 4.0) via GBIF — iNaturalist
Log perch (Percina caprodes) — Percidae — 3
Steven Wang (CC BY 4.0) via GBIF — iNaturalist
Log perch (Percina caprodes) — Percidae — 4
Wikimedia Commons — JohnRipa (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Log perch (Percina caprodes) — Percidae — 5
iNaturalist ((c) Sequoia Janirella Wrens, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
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All data

Identification

English name
Log perch verified
Scientific name
Percina caprodes
Family
Percidae
Other names
Logperch; Manitou darter; Zebra fish verified

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
18.0 verified
Average length (cm)
12.5 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Yellow / gold inferred
Pattern
Vertical bars inferred
Tail shape
Straight inferred
Mouth position
Inferior (downward) inferred
Lips
Thin inferred
Barbels
No sourced
Dorsal fins
Two separate inferred
Dorsal spines
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Mixed bottom sourced
Natural range
Rivers, streams and lakes of North America. inferred
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore sourced
Diet (detail)
Insect larvae, small snails and fish eggs sourced
Social behaviour
Small groups inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
levensduur_max_jaar
3.0 verified
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred
Special features
Zebra-like banded pattern; turns over stones with the snout in search of food. sourced

For anglers

Edibility
Not eaten sourced
Fishing method
Bottom fishing with natural bait (worm, shrimp or fish) on or just above the seabed. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless sourced
First aid
This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status. verified

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Percina

More from the family Percidae

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