The zander (Sander lucioperca) is a fish that closely resembles the walleye but typically grows to a significantly larger size.
While not native to North America like the walleye, the zander is a popular European freshwater game fish known for its similar elongated body shape, two prominent dorsal fins, and predatory nature. It shares the same genus, Sander, as the walleye, making them close relatives.
Zander: The Larger Walleye Look-Alike
Zander are often described as having a sleek, torpedo-shaped body, greenish-silver to brownish-gray coloration, and a spiny first dorsal fin followed by a soft-rayed second dorsal fin, much like the walleye. However, they can reach impressive sizes that often dwarf their walleye cousins.
- Size: Zander commonly grow to lengths of 2 to 3 feet and can weigh between 5 and 20 pounds, with some exceptional specimens exceeding 4 feet and 30 pounds. This contrasts with walleye, which typically range from 1 to 2 feet and 1 to 5 pounds, though larger individuals are caught.
- Habitat: Native to freshwaters across Europe and Western Asia, zander thrive in murky, nutrient-rich lakes and slow-moving rivers.
- Appearance Nuances: While similar, zander often have more distinct dark vertical bars along their sides compared to the walleye's more blotchy pattern. Their eyes also tend to be less opaque than the walleye's characteristic "glassy" eye.
Other Walleye Relatives
Another close relative, the sauger (Sander canadensis), also shares a strong resemblance to the walleye. Sauger are freshwater perciform fish belonging to the family Percidae, just like the walleye and zander. However, sauger are generally smaller than walleye, typically reaching lengths of 12 to 18 inches and weighing 1 to 3 pounds. They can be distinguished from walleye by their more speckled appearance and the absence of a distinct white patch on the lower lobe of their caudal (tail) fin.
Walleye vs. Zander vs. Sauger Comparison
Understanding the differences between these similar species can be crucial for anglers and fish enthusiasts. Here's a quick comparison:
| Feature | Walleye (Sander vitreus) | Zander (Sander lucioperca) | Sauger (Sander canadensis) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Typical Size | 1-2 ft (common), up to 3 ft; 1-5 lbs (common), up to 20+ lbs | 2-3 ft (common), up to 4 ft; 5-20 lbs (common), up to 30+ lbs | 1-1.5 ft (common), up to 2 ft; 1-3 lbs (common), up to 8 lbs |
| Native Habitat | North America | Europe, Western Asia | North America |
| Eyes | Opaque, "glassy" look | Less opaque than walleye | Less opaque than walleye |
| Body Markings | Olive to golden, often with dark blotches, white belly, dark spot on lower caudal fin | Silvery-green to brownish-gray, often with faint dark vertical bars | Dark brown to bronze with distinct dark spots/blotches; no white caudal fin spot |
| Dorsal Fin | Dark spot at base of spiny dorsal fin | No distinct dark spot on dorsal fin | Rows of distinct dark spots on both dorsal fins |
While the sauger is a close look-alike, the zander is the species that truly fits the description of looking like a walleye but typically growing much larger.
