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Walleye
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(Stizostedion vitreum) |
Walleye have slender bodies and are swift swimmers. They have two separate dorsal fins, with spines on the first set, as well as on the anal fin. They are mottled in color, ranging from yellowish to greenish-brown with white bellies, sporting six to seven dark bands running vertically down their side. Walleye have large, marble-like eyes that help them feed in near darkness. The jaws and roof of the mouth have sharp canine teeth.Walleye live mainly in large bodies of water, seldom found in lakes or streams smaller than 50 to 100 acres. They prefer cold water, usually less than 65 F, even living under the cover of ice in the winter. Walleye are usually found at depths of over 10 feet, not only because of their preference for cold water but also to accommodate the specific needs of their eyes. Walleye spawn in the early spring when the temperatures reach between 45 to 50 F. Females scatter their eggs randomly throughout the water, while several males will fertilize the eggs. The spawning sites can be gravel or sand bottoms. The eggs are adhesive and, once released from the female, stick to the surrounding vegetation and rocks. The eggs will hatch in 7 to 10 days. Walleye first spawn between the ages of two and six.
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