| a purplish North American freshwater fish, Aphredoderus sayanus, the adult of which has the vent located in back of the lower jaw. |
| pirate perch n. A small North American freshwater fish (Aphredoderus sayanus) noted for having the anal opening near the throat. |
pirate perch
(Aphredoderus sayanus), freshwater fish that is the sole member of the family Aphredoderidae. The pirate perch is found in weedy or muddy creeks, rivers, and lakes of eastern North America. Noteworthy is the peculiar position of its anus, which is located near the anal fin when the fish is young but gradually moves forward, to the throat, as the fish matures. The fish is small, greenish, and about 10 to 12.5 cm (4 to 5 inches) long. It is of no economic significance.
Learn more about pirate perch with a free trial on Britannica.com.