ExploreFish

Zander

Sander lucioperca

The Zander is a sleek fish that looks a lot like a pike. It has sharp teeth and is a great swimmer!

Habitat: Lakes and rivers

Appearance

The Zander has a long, slender body with a greenish-brown back and silvery flanks. It features distinct dark vertical bars or blotches along its sides. Its large, prominent eyes help it spot prey in dim light, and it has two dorsal fins, one spiny.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumBryophytaClassActinopterygiiOrderPerciformesFamilyPercidaeGenusSander
Zander
wildlife trait badgepiscivorous trait badgeambush_predator trait badgefreshwater trait badge
Zander

Category

Fish

Rarity

Rare

Danger

2/5

Snaps

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Interesting facts

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

These fish were introduced to many European waters and even parts of the UK!

They are excellent at hunting in cloudy water, making them tough for prey to spot!

Zander are related to Walleye, both known for their big, shiny eyes!

Special abilities

Ability

Night Vision Master

Zander can see very well in low light because of special reflective cells in their eyes, helping them hunt at dawn and dusk.

Ability

Stealth Striker

Zander has a streamlined body and camouflaged patterns that help it blend into its watery surroundings, ambushing unsuspecting prey.

Ability

Spiny Shield

Zander has a spiny first dorsal fin that helps protect it from predators, making it harder to swallow.

Measurements & details

Length
40-100 cm
Weight
0.5-15 kg
Lifespan
10-20 years
Swim Speed
25 km/h
Max Depth
25 m
Water Type
Freshwater

Diet & Feeding

Zander are expert hunters that primarily eat smaller fish.

Age differences: Young Zander start by eating zooplankton and invertebrates before switching to a fish-only diet as they grow larger.

Primary Foods

  • Roach
  • Perch
  • Bream
  • Smelt
  • Gudgeon

Foraging Method

  • Ambush

Ecological connections

Traits

Also known as

Pikeperch

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 Zander?

40-100 cm

How much does Zander weigh?

0.5-15 kg

How long does Zander live?

10-20 years

What does Zander eat?

Zander are expert hunters that primarily eat smaller fish.

How fast can Zander swim?

25 km/h

Where is Zander usually found?

Lakes and rivers

How does Zander hunt?

Ambush

How deep can Zander go?

25 m

Snap Map

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