ExploreFish

Walleye

Sander vitreus

The Walleye is a fish that is known for its big eyes, which help it see well in dark waters. It's a popular fish for anglers!

Habitat: Lakes and rivers

Appearance

The Walleye has a long, slender body typically olive to gold with a white belly, featuring distinct dark bars on its sides. Its most striking feature is its large, opaque, light-sensitive eyes that reflect light, giving them a cloudy appearance.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassActinopterygiiOrderPerciformesFamilyPercidaeGenusSander
Walleye
wildlife trait badgecolorful trait badgepiscivorous trait badgeambush_predator trait badge
Walleye

Category

Fish

Rarity

Common

Danger

2/5

Snaps

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Interesting facts

Female Walleye can lay hundreds of thousands of tiny eggs in just one season!

They are so popular, some states in the USA call them their official state fish!

Walleye can change how much light enters their eye, just like a camera lens!

Walleye eyes glow like marbles in the dark due to a special reflective layer!

Special abilities

Ability

Night Vision Superpower

Walleye can see well in low light because their large, reflective eyes gather more light, helping them hunt at dawn and dusk.

Ability

Sharp Spine Shield

Walleye has sharp, spiny fins that can deter predators, making them a less appealing meal for bigger fish.

Ability

Camouflage Cloak

Walleye can blend into murky waters because its mottled, olive-gold skin provides excellent camouflage, helping it ambush prey.

Measurements & details

Length
35-75 cm
Weight
0.7-5 kg
Lifespan
7-15 years
Swim Speed
15 km/h
Max Depth
40 m
Water Type
Freshwater

Diet & Feeding

Walleye are expert hunters, mostly eating smaller fish, but also insects and crayfish when young.

Age differences: Young Walleye eat mostly insects and small crustaceans, shifting to fish as they grow larger.

Primary Foods

  • minnows
  • shiners
  • yellow perch
  • crayfish
  • insect larvae

Foraging Method

  • Ambush

Ecological connections

Traits

Also known as

SanderSander vitreusYellow Pike

Collections

Safety

Danger

2/5

Watch quietly from a distance and never try to feed or chase wild animals.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is Walleye?

35-75 cm

How much does Walleye weigh?

0.7-5 kg

How long does Walleye live?

7-15 years

What does Walleye eat?

Walleye are expert hunters, mostly eating smaller fish, but also insects and crayfish when young.

How fast can Walleye swim?

15 km/h

Where is Walleye usually found?

Lakes and rivers

How does Walleye hunt?

Ambush

How deep can Walleye go?

40 m

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