Latin name

Bairdiella chrysoura

Other names

Sand perch

Identification

The body of the silverside is tall and compressed. Like other members of the family, dorsal fins separated by a deep notch. The chin has five to six pores and no spines. The mouth is terminal, with finely serrated teeth. The coloration is silvery, with yellowish fins and a whitish belly. The fish usually has no spots. The silver perch can be distinguished from the unrelated white perch by the dark stripes on the sides. It can also be distinguished from the sand seatrout by the absence of prominent fangs and pores on the chin.

Distribution

Silver perch are found from New York City south along the Atlantic coast, as well as in the Gulf of Mexico.

Habitat

A coastal fish most commonly found in bays, seagrass beds, tidal creeks, small rivers, and quiet lagoons near estuaries. It is sometimes found in brackish marshes and occasionally in freshwater.

Size

The average fish is less than 12 inches long and weighs 1⁄2 pound or less. Never weighs more than a pound. Silver perch can live up to 6 years.

Life history and Behavior

Silver perch migrate to the sea in winter and return to shore to breed in spring. Spawning occurs ashore from May through September in shallow, saline areas.

Food and feeding habits

Adults consume crustaceans, worms, and small fish.

Reproduction

Silver perch reach maturity in their second or third year, when they reach 6 inches in length.