Zander

This striped predator can be caught in many Siberian bodies of water. Many experienced anglers on numerous forums suggest stocking the Yenisei with pike perch, but this could be a significant loss for other valuable fish species already found in this mighty Siberian river.

While trophy fishing trips on the Putorana River currently don't offer opportunities to hunt this species, it can be caught in large numbers in the Ob, Irtysh, and many other rivers. This fish is particularly popular, both commercially and in cuisine. Pike-perch meat is considered affordable, and hunting this predator is always exciting and rewarding.

What does this striped predator look like?

Pike perch belong to the perch family of predators, so their coloring has some similar features, namely:

• The fish is considered voracious, and in this respect, the pike perch is second only to the river alligators and pikes.
• The predator loves clean, cold waters and bites on almost any type of bait: spinners, wobblers, live worms, mice, and fry.
• The stripes on the fish's body can be distinguished by dark or black colors that run from the dorsal fin to the belly.
• The predator's mouth is lined with sharp teeth arranged in several rows. Each individual also has two longer fangs.
• It has the same stripes as the perch, but its body color is much lighter. The same applies to its spiny fins. They are most often light gray, not red like those of the species' progenitor. This predator's coloration ranges from golden tones to brown, gray, and gray-green.

Types of predator

There are several species of pike perch. This predatory fish is found not only in freshwater bodies but is also caught in saltwater seas.

Light-finned pike-perch

This predator is found in the rivers of Eurasia and North America. Individuals can reach 1 meter in size and weigh between 8 and 15 kg. The fish has a more yellowish coloration. It differs from the perch not only in its color but also in its elongated body and the lack of a distinctive hump.

Ordinary

This predatory species is considered the most common in Russia and the CIS. It differs from the pike-perch (Pike-perch) in its darker coloration. In rare cases, common specimens grow to weigh over 10 kg; more commonly, pike-perch of this species can be caught weighing up to 5 kg.

Sudak volga (bersh)

The zander is unique in that it doesn't grow to a large size. Another distinguishing feature of this fish is its distinctive appearance. It lacks long fangs, and Volga specimens are typically darker in color. It's worth noting that the zander is listed in the Red Book, so fishing for it is restricted by law.