Walleye

Sander vitreus

A North American predatory fish of lakes and large rivers. Its reflective eyes help it hunt in dim or turbid water.

Key facts

Walleye (Sander vitreus) is a carnivore animal classified as Fish · Perciformes · Percidae.
Primary habitats are freshwater, with a range across Nearctic.
Activity is crepuscular, sociality is loose group, and conservation status is LC (Least Concern).
A North American predatory fish of lakes and large rivers.
Occurs mainly in Canada and the northern United States, using lakes, reservoirs, and large rivers with reefs, depth, or murky water.

Habitat range map

Native rangeOccasional / Transient

Map: Ecoregions 2017 © RESOLVE (CC BY 4.0) · Natural Earth (PD)

Occurs mainly in Canada and the northern United States, using lakes, reservoirs, and large rivers with reefs, depth, or murky water.

The body is long and olive to golden brown. Large pale eyes and a dark mark on the dorsal fin are key features.

It rests deeper or in shade during bright daylight and moves shallower around dusk and dawn to feed.

It mainly eats fish, but also takes insects and crayfish. Vision is central to hunting in low light.

Adults broadcast eggs over shallow rocks or flowing water in spring. They do not guard the eggs.

Walleye is a major food and sport fish in North America and has been stocked beyond parts of its native range.