The Sacramento perch (Archoplites interruptus) is a species of freshwater sunfish endemic to California, and transplanted to other parts of the western United States. It is the only extant species within the genus Archoplites. It is the only species of freshwater sunfish whose native habitat resides west of the Rocky Mountains, while all the other species are native to the east. Due its small range and the impact of introduced species on it, it is considered Endangered on the IUCN Red List.
They are indigenous to the Sacramento–San Joaquin River Delta, Pajaro, and Salinas River areas but have been widely introduced outside their native range throughout California. They have also been introduced outside of the state, in Nebraska, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico, South Dakota, North Dakota, and Texas, to revive their populations. While there is no updated analysis of their populations in these states, it is certain that they still exist throughout California. However, there is speculation of viable populations in Utah, Nevada, and Colorado. The Sacramento perch's native habitat is in sluggish, heavily vegetated waters of sloughs and lakes. It can reach a maximum overall length of 73 cm (29 in) and a maximum weight of 1.4 kg (3.1 lb), and it has been reported to live as long as nine years. Its adaptability to different habitats is variable, and it can survive on various food sources, from insects, bottom-dwelling snails, phytoplankton, and small fishes. As young perch, they consume mainly small crustaceans and eventually move on to insect larvae and then smaller fish as adults.
