38. The White Perch. Morone americana.
Rarely exceeds twelve inches in length and one and one-half pounds in weight. Our handsomest fish. Color, back, brown or black; sides, white silvery with bluish and pinkish reflections; belly, white; fins, blackish, light reddish on outer edge.
The White Perch lives mostly in brackish water, from which it retires in winter to the sea. In summer it ascends fresh-water rivers, and thrives in many fresh-water ponds, from which it cannot return.
Bites readily at worms and live bait, and is extremely gamy, much more so than the Yellow Perch.
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