Yellow Perch length estimated from filleted, head, and mandible length measurements.

This article focuses on developing and validating regression equations to estimate total length of Yellow Perch (Perca flavescens) from filleted fish length, head length, or mandible length, addressing challenges in obtaining intact length measurements during low-abundance years. Using samples from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources standardized bottom trawl survey, the study found that filleted length, head length, and mandible length are all strong predictors of total length (R² > 0.97), with filleted length regression being the most precise, followed by head length, and mandible length being less precise but still useful. The authors recommend using filleted length or head length regressions to estimate total length when intact fish measurements are unavailable, noting that these methods can supplement data collection from sport fish cleaning stations and other sources where fish are not whole. The study also highlights that regression equations may vary across populations and advises validation before application beyond the studied Lake Erie population.