Nutrition and feeding of yellow perch (Perca flavescens)

Yellow perch (Perca flavescens) have become one of the focal points in aquaculture in the Great Lakes region of the United States. In this paper, we reviewed existing information on nutrition of yellow perch and identified critical areas in need of development. Yellow perch are small at hatching (4-7 mm total length), and are difficult to feed. Zooplankton cultures remain the only viable means of mass propagation, but larvae can be trained to accept formulated feeds in ponds at the age of 30-45 days. Few nutritional requirements exist for yellow perch, thus there are no diets formulated specifically for this species. The current recommendations are use of feeds formulated for trout and salmon. Ongoing research efforts are underway that will improve our ability to feed yellow perch at all life history stages.