Zander

Currently not found in Michigan
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Zander is a walleye-like fish native to Europe and western Asia. It was released into North America as a sport fish in the 1970’s. There are no documented reports of Zander in Michigan.

Identification:
The body of Zander is greenish-grey or brown on top and white ventrally, usually with thick vertical black bars. The fish has two dorsal fins – a spiny fin in front and a soft fin in back. Zander also has large fangs at the front of its mouth.

Impacts of this invasive species:
Zander can reduce populations of prey fish, negatively impacting a lake’s fishery.

How you can prevent its spread:

• Don’t transport bait fish or other organisms between water bodies.
• Don’t release Zander as a sport fish into local waters.
• Report suspected sightings of Zander quickly for successful early detection rapid response efforts. 

Zander are not a hybrid of a pike and perch. Introduction into Michigan waters could lead to a crash in some fish communities. There is also a concern for hybridization with walleye. 

More information about Zander is available from the Midwest Invasive Species Information Network at http://www.misin.msu.edu/facts/detail.php?id=272&cname=Zander. ​​