Fin's Fish Guide
The Perch (Kyphosus azureus) is a saltwater fish of the family Kyphosidae that grows up to 45 cm.
Description
The zebraperch is a sea chub (Kyphosidae) from the eastern Pacific. The species has a deep, oval body with blue-grey to bronze tints and narrow vertical stripes. It inhabits shallow inshore areas to about 8 m deep, on rocky reefs and reef flats with algal growth. It is exclusively herbivorous and grazes seaweeds and algae from the rocks with its mouth; a long gut with fermenting bacteria aids digestion. It often occurs in groups. The species is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Perch?
The Perch has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly blue and shows a vertical stripes pattern. Exclusively plant-eating with a fermenting gut flora; grazes algae from rocks.
Where does the Perch live?
The Perch lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Eastern Pacific; shallow rocky reefs with algal growth.
How big does the Perch get?
The Perch grows to a maximum of about 45 cm.
Is the Perch dangerous to humans?
No, the Perch is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Perch edible?
The Perch is rarely eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Kyphosus
More from the family Kyphosidae
Want the complete picture on the Perch?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Perch is one of 12,519 species in the app.