zander
(Sander lucioperca)
This species is Introduced in the United States
Zander
Scientific Name
Sander lucioperca (Linnaeus, 1758)
Appearance
Average length is 40-80 cm (approx. 16-32 in.). Mouth has many small teeth
Fins
There are 2 separate dorsal fins (on back); the first has spines and the second has soft rays. Anal fin has 2-3 spines and numerous soft rays.
Color
Back and sides are green to blue-grey, to brown-black. The belly is white to bluish and fins are yellow-grey. Dorsal and caudal fins have rows of black spots on the membranes, largest and most distinctive on the spiny dorsal fin. Other fins are pale yellow. Several dark bands run vertically down each side.
Similar Species
Walleye, also called pickerel, is yellow, olive-green to brown in colour and average length is 35.5-58.5 cm long (approx. 14-23 in.).
Habitat
Lakes, rivers and streams; often in turbid waters. Found in water depths ranging from 2-30 m (approx. 6.5-98.5 ft.) but usually in 2-3 m (approx. 6.5-10 ft.).
Introduced Range
Not reported from Ontario or Canada. In the United States: reported from North Dakota.
Native Range
Continental Europe to western Siberia.
Pathway of Introduction and Spread
This species was intentionally stocked into Spiritwood Lake in North Dakota in 1989 to establish a sport fishery. There is no evidence that it has spread from this location.
Impacts
May compete with native fish species for food and habitat.
Invasive Species Act, 2015
To prevent the introduction and further spread of this unwanted invader in the province, Ontario has regulated it as a prohibited invasive species under the Invasive Species Act. For more information on the Invasive Species Actand regulations visit www.ontario.ca/invasionON.
References
Encyclopedia of Life. Sander lucioperca, Pikeperch. [Online] Accessed: [10-23-2013].
Invasive Species Compendium. 2012. Sander lucioperca (pikeperch). [Online] Accessed: [10-23-2013].
Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. 2011. Fish Ontario, Walleye. [Online] Accessed: [12-02-2013].
United States Fish and Wildlife Service. 2012. Zander (Sander lucioperca) Ecological Risk Screening Summary. [Online] Accessed: [10-23-2013].
United States Geological Survey, Nonindigenous Aquatic Species. Sander lucioperca (Zander). [Online] Accessed: [10-23-2013].
Selected Images
Maps
State Lists - This map identifies those states that have this species on their invasive species list or law.
Invasive Listing Sources
Taxonomic Rank
| Domain: Eukarya |
| Kingdom: Animalia |
| Phylum: Chordata |
| Subphylum: Vertebrata |
| Class: Actinopterygii |
| Subclass: Neopterygii |
| Order: Perciformes |
| Family: Percidae |
| Genus: Sander |
| Sander lucioperca |
Synonyms and Other Names
Other Common Names:
sudak, pikeperch
Related Scientific Names:
Stizostedion lucioperca (Linnaeus, 1758) (Synonym)
References
Common Name Reference: Integrated Taxonomic Information System on-line database.
Scientific Name Reference: Integrated Taxonomic Information System on-line database.