Goldeye

Goldeye

Goldeye (Hiodon alosoides) is a species of freshwater fish in the family Hiodontidae. It is native to North America, particularly in the northern regions of the United States and throughout Canada. The Goldeye is named for its distinctive golden eyes, which are thought to be adapted for feeding in low-light conditions.

Description

The Goldeye is a medium-sized fish, typically measuring between 20 and 40 cm in length. It has a silvery, somewhat compressed body and a deeply forked tail. The most distinctive feature of the Goldeye is its large, gold-coloured eyes, which give the species its common name. The eyes are thought to be specially adapted for feeding in low-light conditions, such as those found in the murky waters of its preferred habitats.

Distribution and habitat

The Goldeye is found throughout much of North America, from the northern United States to the Arctic Circle in Canada. It inhabits a variety of freshwater habitats, including rivers, lakes, and reservoirs. The species is particularly common in the Mississippi River basin and the Great Lakes region.

Diet and behavior

Goldeye are omnivorous, feeding on a variety of food sources. Their diet primarily consists of small fish and invertebrates, but they also consume plant material. They are known to be active feeders during the night, using their large, sensitive eyes to locate prey in low-light conditions.

Conservation status

The Goldeye is currently listed as a species of least concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). However, like many freshwater fish species, it faces threats from habitat loss and pollution.

See also

• List of freshwater fish of North America
• Hiodontidae