Definition for PERCH

PERCH, n.1 [Fr. perche; L. perca; G. bars, a perch, and barsch, sharp, keen, pungent; D. baars; Sw. abbore; Dan. aborre. It would seem from the German, that this fish is named from its prickly spines, and the name allied to perk.]

The popular name of several species of a genus of acanthopterygious fishes called by naturalists Perca. They have powerful dorsal fins, with strong and sharp spines. The scales are moderately large, with the posterior edge toothed. They all feed on marine insects, and inhabit fresh water.

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