Fin's Fish Guide
The Pikeperch (Sander lucioperca) is a freshwater fish of the family Percidae that grows up to 100 cm.
Originally in fresh and brackish water of Central and Eastern Europe; widely introduced for fisheries, including in Western Europe.
Description
The pikeperch is a slender predator of the family Percidae reaching about 1 metre. It combines features of perch and pike: a perch-like spiny first dorsal fin and an elongate, grey-green body with faint dark bars, but also pike-like canine teeth. The large, glassy reflective eyes are adapted to hunting in turbid and dark water. The species is native to central and eastern Europe but has been widely stocked for fisheries and is common in western European rivers, lakes and canals, including slightly brackish water. At dusk it hunts small schooling fish. The pikeperch is one of the most prized sport and food fish of fresh water.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Pikeperch?
The Pikeperch has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly green and shows a vertical stripes pattern. Slender predator with a perch-like spiny fin and pike-like canine teeth; the large, glassy reflecting eyes are adapted to hunting in turbid and dark water.
Where does the Pikeperch live?
The Pikeperch lives in fresh water and is mostly found around open water. Originally in fresh and brackish water of Central and Eastern Europe; widely introduced for fisheries, including in Western Europe.
How big does the Pikeperch get?
The Pikeperch grows to a maximum of about 100 cm. On average the species is around 50 cm.
Is the Pikeperch dangerous to humans?
No, the Pikeperch is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Pikeperch edible?
Yes, the Pikeperch is a highly prized food fish.
More photos
Easily confused with
These species look like the Pikeperch and live in the same waters.
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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
Want the complete picture on the Pikeperch?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Pikeperch is one of 12,519 species in the app.
Or scan with your phone