Lates niloticus (Linneaus 1758; 1.3m in length) is the extant Nile perch, a river predator. Here it nests basal to Perca and Sphenocephalus, derived from the Scomber votesti clade (flatfish) and Pomatomus.

Zeus japonicus (Linneaus 1758, Valenciennes 1835, 65cm max) is the extant John Dory fish, nearly half head and related to Lates. Jaw extension captures prey.

Sphenocephalus fissicaudus (Agassiz 1839; 20cm in length; Late Cretaceous) was a prehistoric bass, related to the perch, Perca.

Perca flavescens (Linneaus 1758; Mitchell 1814; 10-25, up to 46cm in length) is the extant yellow perch, a basal member of the Perciformes. The pelvic region is close to the pectoral region n this tall, narrow-bodied fish with high dorsal spines. The premaxillary teeth are sharp and tiny. The anterior dorsal fin is taller than the posterior one. The incurrent naris is above the premaxilla, which has a narrow ascending process.