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A New World relative
of the European pikeperch, the walleye or yellow pike (Sander
vitreus, formerly Stizostedion vitreum) is a freshwater perciform
fish native to most of Canada and the northern United States;
it is believed to be an introduced species in the mid-Atlantic
states. The common name walleye comes from the fact their eyes,
not unlike cats, reflect light in a unique fashion. Their eyes
allow them to see very well in low-light conditions. In fact,
many fisherman look for walleyes at night since this is when most
major feeding patterns occur. Walleye may grow to one metre (3
feet) in length, and weigh up to 11 kilograms (25.5 pounds). The
dorsal side of a walleye is olive in colour, and is broken up
by five dark saddles that extend to the upper sides. The olive
color shades to white on the belly. The mouth of a walleye is
large, armed with many sharp teeth. Both the first dorsal and
anal fin are spinous.
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The walleye requires
relatively pristine waters and is most often found in deep water
in large, clear, cool lakes and rivers. It migrates to tributary
streams in winter and spring to lay eggs in sand or gravel bars.
A large female can lay up to 495,000 eggs and no care is given
by the parents to the eggs and fry. The young walleyes eat invertebrates
while the adults eat fishes (particularly yellow perch and freshwater
drum), moving onto bars and shoals at night to feed. A walleye
may live for 29 years or more.The walleye is often considered
to have the best tasting flesh of any freshwater fish, and as
such is fished recreationally and commercially. Because of its
nocturnal feeding habits it is most easily caught at night using
live minnows, or lures that mimic small fishes.
Above Pictures Come From The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
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