The Sacramento perch is the only native sunfish to California. It has declined significantly due to habitat loss from drainage projects in the 1800s and competition from introduced species like bluegill. However, the Sacramento perch was once an important commercial fish. It feeds on insects, crustaceans, and smaller fish. Though now only found in a few isolated lakes and rivers, efforts are underway to restore the Sacramento perch population due to its benefits of controlling mosquitos and its status as a unique native species.