Pirate Perch (Aphredoderus sayanus)

    The pirate perch can be found in freshwater systems all the way from here in North Carolina to southeastern Texas. The can be found in lakes, ponds and rivers and the lay their eggs in borrows. It is the behavior of laying these eggs in borrows which gave rise to a strange anatomical feature. The pirate perch's anus is not located in front of the anal fin like most fish it is instead anteriorly located just between the gills. The purpose of this is so that when the pirate perches go head first into these holes, the fish can get them as far back as possible.