Fin's Fish Guide
The Pike perch (Sander canadensis) is a freshwater fish of the family Percidae that grows up to 76 cm.
North America, in the Mississippi basin, the Great Lakes and adjacent river basins.
Description
The sauger is a North American predatory fish of the family Percidae, closely related to the walleye. The species reaches about 76 cm and has an elongate, brassy-brown body with dark blotches and, like related perches, a light-reflecting tapetum lucidum in the eyes that enables low-light hunting. It inhabits sand and gravel runs, pools and backwaters of small to large rivers and is less tied to lakes and impoundments. Young eat water fleas, copepods and midge larvae, while adults mainly prey on fish. The species spawns in spring and is a valued game fish.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Pike perch?
The Pike perch has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern. Related to the pikeperch; a light-reflecting tapetum lucidum makes crepuscular hunting possible.
Where does the Pike perch live?
The Pike perch lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. North America, in the Mississippi basin, the Great Lakes and adjacent river basins.
How big does the Pike perch get?
The Pike perch grows to a maximum of about 76 cm. On average the species is around 36 cm.
Is the Pike perch dangerous to humans?
No, the Pike perch is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Pike perch edible?
Yes, the Pike perch is commonly eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Sander
More from the family Percidae
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Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Pike perch is one of 12,519 species in the app.