Walleye
📖 Overview
Adults occur in lakes, pools, backwaters, and runs of medium to large rivers. Frequently found in clear water, usually near brush . They prefer large, shallow lakes with high turbidity . Rarely found in brackish waters . They feed at night, mainly on insects and fishes (with preference for yellow perch and freshwater drum but will take any fish available) also feed on crayfish, snails, frogs, mudpuppies, and small mammals when fish and insects are scarce . Although not widely farmed commercially for consumption, large numbers are hatched and raised for stocking lakes for game fishing . Utilized fresh or frozen; eaten pan-fried, broiled, microwaved and baked .
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 13 - 17; Dorsal soft rays (total): 18 - 22; Anal spines: 2; Anal soft rays: 11 - 14; Vertebrae: 44 - 48. Nuptial tubercles absent. Differentiation of sexes difficult. Branchiostegal rays 7,7 or 7,8 .: elongated; Cross section: compressed.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Walleye is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
Spawning occurs in small groups (a larger female and two smaller males or two females and up to six males) that engage in chasing, circular swimming, and fin erection. The group then ascends to shallow water, females roll on their side, and eggs and sperm are released. Deposition of eggs usually occurs in a single night . Larvae pelagic .
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Freshwater; brackish; benthopelagic; potamodromous ; depth range 0 - 27 m . Subtropical; 1°C - 29°C ; 70°N - 30°N, 137°W - 69°W North America: St.
🌿 Ecology
crayfish, snails, frogs, mudpuppies, and small mammals when fish and insects are scarce (Ref
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🚨 Invasive Species Impact
- competition with native species
- habitat modification
- management and control costs
- fishery impacts in some areas
Prevention of further spread through import bans, targeted removal in sensitive areas.
Monitoring and containment programs in place.
References: Compiled from IUCN Global Invasive Species Database, USGS Nonindigenous Aquatic Species database, and CABI Invasive Species Compendium.
🎣 Angling Guide
- medium-light 6-7ft spinning rod
- 8-12 lb line
- walleye jig heads
- rocky humps
- deep basin edges
- sand grass
- windward shores
Use barbless hooks, minimise air exposure, and revive fish head-first in current before release.
⚠️ Slot limits and seasonal restrictions common.
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Walleye is an edible species."
- Clear, bright eyes — cloudy eyes indicate age
- Firm flesh that springs back when pressed
- Fresh ocean smell, never strong or ammonia-like
- Bright red or pink gills, not grey or brown
- Shiny, moist skin with scales tightly attached
- Cloudy or sunken eyes
- Strong fishy or ammonia odour
- Soft, mushy flesh that doesn't spring back
- Discoloured or dry flesh
⚡ Nutrition
Per 100g cooked - Source: USDA FoodData Central
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Protein | 18.1 g |
| Omega-3 (total) | 170 mg |
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Walleye has not yet been assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.
🌿 Sustainability
🔬 Full Nutritional Profile
Per 100g - Raw, per 100g - Source: USDA FoodData Central templates (generic fish average)
📊 Population Dynamics
| Year | Region | Index | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| - | - | - |
🏆 World Records
| Record Type | Value | Angler | Location | Date | Line Class |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Weight | 11.34 kg | Mabry Harper | Old Hickory Lake, Tennessee | 02 Aug 1960 | ALL |
Source: IGFA All-Tackle World Records database
🌐 Names & Taxonomy
| Language | Common Names |
|---|---|
| 🇬🇧English | Blue Pike · Dory · European Perch · Glass Eye · Gray Pike · Green Pike · Jack Salmon · Marble Eye · Okow · Pickerel · Pike-perch · Wall-eyed Pickerel · Wall-eyed Pike · Wall-eyed Pike-perch · walleye · Walleye Pickerel · Walleye Pike · Walleyed Pike · Yellow Pickerel · Yellow Pike · Yellow Pike Perch · yellow walleye |
| 🇫🇷French | doré jaune |
| 🇳🇱Dutch | Breedbekbaars |
| 🇸🇪Swedish | Glasögongös |
| 🇨🇳Chinese | 碧古 |
Scientific Synonyms
| Scientific Name | Author | Year | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lucioperca americana | Cuvier | 1828 | Synonym |
| Lucioperca grisea | DeKay | 1842 | Synonym |
| Perca vitrea | Mitchill | 1818 | Synonym |
| Sander vitreus glaucus | Hubbs | 1926 | Synonym |
| Stizostedion glaucum | Hubbs | 1926 | Synonym |
| Stizostedion virtreum | Mitchill | 1818 | Synonym |
| Stizostedion vitreum | Mitchill | 1818 | Synonym |
| Stizostedion vitreum glaucum | Hubbs | 1926 | Synonym |
| Stizostedion vitreum vitreum | Mithchill | 1818 | Synonym |
| Stizostedium vitreum | - | - | Synonym |
| Stizostedium vitreum vitreum | Mithchill | 1818 | Synonym |
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 73 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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