Body and Fin Morphology in Yellow Perch, Perca Flavescens: Functional Implication of Sexual Dimorphism

Many teleosts often exhibit sexual dimorphism in functional morphology and behavior. In this study, we examined the extent of sexual dimorphism in yellow perch, Perca flavescens, from a spring-fed lake in Minnesota. By conducting morphometric and scaling analyses, thirteen morphological variables that would relate to functional performance in predator escape behavior were evaluated: (1) body length, (2) eye area, (3) 1st dorsal fin base length, (4) 2nd dorsal fin base length, (5) anal fin base length, (6) pectoral fin base length, (7) head height between the neurocranium and 1st dorsal fin, (8) body depth at 1st dorsal fin, (9) caudal peduncle depth, (10) caudal fin height, (11) head width at 1st dorsal fin, (12) body width at 2nd dorsal fin, and (13) caudal peduncle width. We will discuss the implication of sexual dimorphism in growth pattern and ecological context in yellow perch