The Sacramento Perch is a large sunfish from the west coast. It is the only species of Sunfish native to waters west of the Rocky Mountains. The Sacramento Perch was once widespread in California's great central valley, being so abundant that it was harvested by the millions for sale at public fish markets. However, since that time, it has not gone well for the Sacramento Perch. A variety of factors has led to their decline, including the introduction of exotic species, the damming of rivers, draining and diking wetlands, pollution, and dewatering. Exotic species of sunfish from the west were stocked into this region as early as the 1800's. Bluegills and redear sunfish rapidly displaced the native Sacramento Perch. They are now very rare.