Walleye
The walleye is a freshwater fish in the perch family, native to much of Canada and northern North America.
The walleye is a freshwater fish in the perch family, native to much of Canada and northern North America. It is a popular game and food fish, known for its gold-and-olive body, large reflective eyes, and strong night-vision adaptation.
What it is
Walleye (Sander vitreus) are long, slender fish with gold, olive, and white coloration, two dorsal fins, and a large mouth with sharp teeth. Their eyes have a reflective layer that improves vision in dim light, giving them a pale or opaque appearance and inspiring their common name.
Why it matters
Walleye are native to Canada and especially important in Canadian freshwater fisheries, including Ontario and the Great Lakes region. They are widely targeted by recreational anglers and commonly stocked in some waters, and they are also regarded as a popular food fish in many communities.
Key details
Walleye are mostly nocturnal and feed at night in shallower water. They are predatory, eating smaller fish and aquatic invertebrates. They typically live about 10 years, reach about 0.75 to 0.9 metres in length, and weigh 4.5 to 9 kilograms.
In short
- Walleye are freshwater perch-family fish native to Canada and northern North America.
- Their reflective eyes give them excellent night vision, making them mostly nocturnal feeders.
- They are a prized sport and food fish, especially in Canadian waters like the Great Lakes.
- They have a typical lifespan of about 10 years and can grow to nearly a metre long.
Walleye are native to Canada and are especially important in Canadian freshwater fisheries, including in Ontario and the Great Lakes region. They are a popular target for recreational fishing and a familiar food fish in many Canadian communities.
Quick questions
What kind of fish is a walleye?
Why are they called walleye?
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Sources
- National Wildlife Federation — https://www.nwf.org/Educational-Resources/Wildlife-Guide/Fish/WalleyeSupports: Species classification, appearance, habitat, range, behaviour, size, and lifespan.
- U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service — https://www.fws.gov/media/walleye-5Supports: Freshwater perch family classification, appearance, dorsal fins, mouth, and low-light vision.
- Minnesota Department of Natural Resources — https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/fish/walleye/biology.htmlSupports: Night activity, reflective eyes, habitat, native range in Minnesota and broader North America, and introduced populations.