Fin's Fish Guide
The Silver perch (Bairdiella chrysoura) is a fish that lives in both fresh and salt water of the family Sciaenidae that grows up to 30 cm.
Western Atlantic along the east coast of the USA and the Gulf of Mexico, in estuaries, seagrass beds and coastal water; tolerates widely varying salinities.
Description
The silver perch is a small croaker of the family Sciaenidae (drums) reaching about 30 cm. The laterally compressed, silvery body has yellowish fins. Like other drums it can make a drumming sound with muscles against its swim bladder. The species forms schools in estuaries, seagrass beds and coastal water along the east coast of the USA and the Gulf of Mexico and tolerates strongly varying salinities. On and above the bottom it searches for shrimps, small crustaceans, worms and small fish. Young fish grow up in the sheltered estuaries. With its tasty flesh it is a small panfish and a much-used bait fish for larger predators.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Silver perch?
The Silver perch has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Small, silvery croaker with yellowish fins; makes a drumming sound with its swim bladder and lives in estuaries and seagrass.
Where does the Silver perch live?
The Silver perch lives in both fresh and salt water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Western Atlantic along the east coast of the USA and the Gulf of Mexico, in estuaries, seagrass beds and coastal water; tolerates widely varying salinities.
How big does the Silver perch get?
The Silver perch grows to a maximum of about 30 cm. On average the species is around 20 cm.
Is the Silver perch dangerous to humans?
No, the Silver perch is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Silver perch edible?
Yes, the Silver perch is commonly eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Bairdiella
More from the family Sciaenidae
Want the complete picture on the Silver perch?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Silver perch is one of 12,519 species in the app.