The rearward edge of the soft portion of the dorsal fin carries a dark blotch. Breeding males are marked by bright blue and orange. Females and younger fish are less colorful and are often marked by dark vertical bars on their olive backs. The pumpkinseed can be distinguished from the bluegill by the bright orange spot at the tip of the ear flap and the lack of a dark blotch on the soft portion of the dorsal. Seven or eight spines on dorsal fin.
Body is compressed or flat.
Yellow Perch are golden or brassy yellow with six to nine dark vertical bars on their sides. They do not have the canine teeth of walleye. The Walleye has yellow-olive coloring with a brassy cast. The sides of the fish are brassy-yellow with dark mottling. The belly is white.