Logperch (Percina caprodes)

The Logperch or Percina caprodes is sometimes known as the Common Logperch, Manitou Darter and the Zebra Fish. This is one of the eleven different species of Logperch from the Percidae family. This is the most widespread of the Logperches and is found in many places in the eastern United States and Canada. They typical inhabit gravel streams or lakes and can grow to about 7" (18cm) in length. As you can see in the pictures, they have a skinny body that is covered with vertical bars and a subterminal mouth, which simply means pointing downward, towards the bottom. These fish are scavengers that will  turn over as many as ten small rocks per minute searching for food.  You can watch these hard workers, as well as some other unidentified species in the video below.

 
Logperch are not listed as an endangered species, but increasing damming and the introduction of the invasive species the Round Goby makes them very vulnerable.  Like other Darters, they are not schooling fish and are often seen alone or in a small group.  They are an important part of the ecosystem and fall prey to birds, Largemouth Bass, Lake Trout, Walleye, Pike, Rock Bass and Burbot.  They are edible, but are not normally caught by fisherman due to their small size.     

POP QUIZ: Can you name the other species of fish in the video featured above?

Bigscale Logperch (Percina macrolepida)

The Bigscale Logperch or Percina macrolepida is just one of the 11 different species of Logperch found in North America.  The Bigscale Logperch is a freshwater fish that is found in a few different states including Texas, California, Oklahoma and Arkansas.  They are not very large, only growing to about 4" in maximum length.  These fish are slender with black or green vertical bars running down their bodies.

Bigscale Logperch are normally found near the bottom of slow moving streams, rivers and sometimes lakes.  They are known to bury themselves under the sand much like the saltwater Shovelnose Guitarfish, lying in wait for their unsuspecting prey to swim on by.  Logperch will also use this technique to hide from potential predators.  They feed on insect larvae and smaller fish.    

Bigscale Logperch reach sexual maturity in their second year and spawning will normally occur between February and mid-July. These fish have a rather bizarre mating ritual in which the female Bigscale Logperch will stand on her tail to attract the male.  Once the male takes notice they will press up against each other and the female will lay 100 to 400 eggs, normally in a plant or small gravel pit.

You can check out a similar species the Conasauga Logperch flipping rocks in search of food in the video below.  

If you have any additional information about the Bigscale Logperch please leave a comment below.