What key characteristic describes the two dorsal fins found on the yellow perch?
Answer
The first dorsal fin is spiny and the second is soft-rayed
A defining morphological trait of the yellow perch involves its dorsal fin structure. Unlike some fish that possess a single continuous fin, the yellow perch has two separate dorsal fins. The anterior, or first, dorsal fin is characterized by sharp, rigid spines, which serve a defensive purpose. The posterior, or second, dorsal fin is composed of flexible, soft rays. This combination—a spiny first fin followed by a soft-rayed second fin—is a key anatomical feature distinguishing them, particularly when comparing them to other small, yellowish fish.
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