Use this extra large plain preserved perch specimen for a hands-on exploration of the external and internal anatomy of a fish. Its large 9"-12" size & easily located organs make it an excellent dissection specimen.
Species is typically Pomadayses magranthus. Occasionally we substitute yellow perch, Perca flavescens, based on supply availability.
Before beginning your dissection, observe the external anatomy of the perch, including the lateral line along the side of the fish, the perch's mouth, eyes, external nares, teeth, gill covering (also known as the operculum), spiny dorsal fin, soft dorsal fin, caudal fin (tail), anal fin, pectoral fin, pelvic fin, and more.
Use scissors (designed for dissection), a scalpel, and maybe even a hand lens to identify and study the internal structures inside the body cavity, such as the swim bladder, gill structure (including the soft gill filaments, gill arches & gill rakers), stomach, urinary bladder, gonads, pancreas, liver, and other internal organs and parts of the circulatory system, digestive system, reproductive system, and more.
Get everything you need to dissect a perch (tools, dissecting guide, dissection tray & a preserved perch) with our Perch Dissection Kit!
Note: Specimens are initially preserved with a formaldehyde solution, the best animal tissue fixative. The formaldehyde is then displaced first with water and finally with a glycol solution to produce a moist, low-fume specimen which will not decay over time.
HST Specimen Guarantee
In sealed, original packaging, our preserved specimens are guaranteed to remain fully preserved and free of decay for six months from the date of purchase.
Once the original package is opened, use specimen within one month. For best results, observe the following storage procedures:
- Store specimen in heavy-duty, zip-lock bags to minimize drying between dissections.
- Specimen will slowly dry out or become contaminated in zip-lock bags; add a teaspoon of Specimen Holding Fluid to retain moisture.
- Freezing or refrigeration is not necessary and may damage fragile tissues.
Warning