Identification
The Volga zander resembles the pikeperch but is smaller (up to 45 cm) and more compact. Color is yellow-brown with 8 to 12 distinct dark vertical bars on the flanks — more sharply defined than in the pikeperch. The canine teeth are less developed. The two dorsal fins sit close together; the first has dark spots on the membranes.
Behavior & ecology
The Volga zander is a crepuscular predator of turbid, slow-flowing water. It lives in schools and hunts small fish and invertebrates. Unlike the pikeperch, the Volga zander rarely exceeds 1 kg. Originally distributed from the Danube to the Volga and Caspian Sea.
In the Netherlands
The Volga zander is not native to the Netherlands. Sporadic finds may result from unintentional import with fish stocking material from Eastern Europe. The species is sometimes confused with juvenile pikeperch, but the pronounced vertical bars and smaller size are reliable distinguishing features.
