Pink perch fish, also known as rose perches, are native to the Pacific Ocean, particularly in the waters around Southern California, Baja California, and the Gulf of California. As they are commonly found in shallow, rocky coastal habitats, it is easy to assume that these species of fish are marine.
However, it is worth noting that pink perch fish can also thrive in freshwater environments. In fact, they are often caught in freshwater lakes and rivers, particularly in the western regions of North America. Thus, it can be difficult to pinpoint whether pink perch is a freshwater or marine fish.
But, in reality, the pink perch falls under the category of “anadromous fish.” Anadromous fish are those that spend a part of their life in saltwater and another part in freshwater. Pink perch belongs to this group of fish, as they spend their early years in saltwater before migrating to freshwater habitats to spawn.
As juveniles, pink perch are usually found in the coastal waters of the Pacific Ocean, feeding on small crustaceans and other invertebrates. As they mature, they venture inland into freshwater estuaries and rivers, where they can grow up to ten inches long.
During the spawning season, mature pink perch fish swim downstream into the saltwater estuaries, where females release their eggs and males spray their sperm into the water. The fertilized eggs hatch into larvae, which are then carried by the currents back into freshwater rivers and streams, where they grow and develop.
The pink perch is classified as an anadromous fish, as they spend part of their life in saltwater and another part in freshwater. They are commonly found in rocky, coastal habitats, as well as freshwater rivers and streams. So, whether you fancy fishing in freshwater or saltwater, pink perch is a great catch to add to your bucket list.