ZANDER (Stizostedion Lucioperca)

Recognition

Streamlined body, double dorsal fin, the front one being spined. Large eyes, large mouth and backwards pointing teeth with fang-like teeth at the front. Often called a Pike-Perch but is not a pike x perch hybrid

British record

19lb 5oz

Location

Large stillwaters, drains, rivers

Behaviour

A shoal fish when young, solitary as adults

Preferred Habitats

Slow flowing rivers, large lakes

Best Feeding Times

Dawn and dusk

Natural Food

Small fish

Maturity

3 – 4 years, male and female

Spawning Times

April to June

Preferred Spawning Areas

Nest builder in weedbeds, the male will guard the eggs from predators

Fecundity

135,000 to 200,000 eggs per kg of body weight.