How many spines does the distinctly spiny first dorsal fin of the Yellow Perch consistently house?
Answer
12 to 14 spines
As members of the perch family, Yellow Perch possess two separate dorsal fins, but their structure differs. The anterior, or first, dorsal fin is specifically characterized by being distinctly spiny. Anatomical examination consistently reveals that this first dorsal fin houses between 12 and 14 sharp spines, which serve a defensive purpose. This contrasts sharply with the second dorsal fin, which is softer, containing significantly fewer spines, typically only two or three, followed by a larger number of soft rays.
Related Questions
What is the general base coloration typically presented by adult Yellow Perch?How many distinct dark vertical bands typically traverse the sides of the Yellow Perch?How many spines does the distinctly spiny first dorsal fin of the Yellow Perch consistently house?What type of scales impart a definite roughness when handling a fresh catch of Yellow Perch?What type of teeth does the Yellow Perch critically lack compared to walleye or sauger?Which sex of the Yellow Perch generally grows faster and achieves greater ultimate sizes?What is the maximum recorded total length that the Yellow Perch approaches in centimeters?Where is the blackish blotch consistently located on the first dorsal fin of the Yellow Perch?How is the body shape of the Yellow Perch described, contributing to its streamlined appearance?What term describes the phenomenon where a Yellow Perch population remains smaller than others in the same geographic area?