Species Name Hiodon Aloisodes Species Family Hiodontidae Species Order Osteoglossiformes Kingdom Animalia Genus Hodon Phylum Chordata Class Actinopterygii Average Life Span 10 Years Habitat Lakes, Rivers Weight 1 – 3 pounds Length 14” – 20”
Goldeyes have tiny heads and deep, somewhat tight bodies. Their mouth is full of pointed teeth, which also enclose their tongue. About three-quarters of the way down their length, or rather far back, is where their dorsal fin begins, starting immediately behind the anal fin below.
Goldeyes are silvery, scaled fish with a white bottom and a blue or blue-green back. Their yellow or gold-colored eyes, adapted for low-light underwater circumstances, are a distinctive characteristic of Goldeye. The average length and weight of the Goldeye are 30.5 centimeters and 450 grams, respectively.
Goldeye Fish Description:
The Mooneye, the only relative of the Goldeye, is a member of the family Hiodontidae. The two can be distinguished by their anal fin positions and eye color. The dorsal fin of the Goldeye begins opposite or after the anal fin, but the dorsal fin of the Mooneye starts before the anal fin.
The Mooneye, the only relative of the Goldeye, is a member of the family Hiodontidae. The two can be distinguished by their anal fin positions and eye color. The dorsal fin of the Goldeye begins opposite or after the anal fin, but the dorsal fin of the Mooneye starts before the anal fin.
Interesting Facts about Goldeye Fish:
- The Lewis and Clark Corps of Discovery recorded 122 new fish species and other animals, including the Goldeye.
- Since 1876, goldeyes have been legally targeted for commercial fishing.
- In the 1910s, the Prince of Wales and American president Woodrow Wilson both enjoyed smoked Goldeye.
- This type of fish inspired the name of the minor league baseball franchise Winnipeg Goldeyes.
Goldeye Fish Appearance:
Goldeyes have rounded snouts, small, blunt heads, and deep bodies. On their jaws and tongues, they have a lot of tiny, sharp teeth. They can effectively only be seen at night because of their big yellow eyes, adapted to low light and muddy water conditions. Goldeyes have a slightly tan appearance due to their dark-blue to blue-green backs, silvery sides, white bellies, and brown edges to their scales. They eat primarily aquatic insects, snails, minnows, other tiny fish, and any other edible things they come upon. They are mainly surface feeders.
Goldeye Fish Size:
Goldeye fish’s average size and weight ranges are 1 to 3 pounds and 17 inches. Although they have a maximum lifespan of ten years, goldeyes often live for five to seven years. Male Goldeyes reach sexual maturity between 6 and 9, whereas female Goldeyes do so between the ages of 7 and 10.
Diet of Goldeye Fish:
As opportunistic carnivores, goldeyes consume anything they can get their hands on. Fishes tiny enough to be eaten, crabs, and insect larvae are some of their preferred food items. They supplemented their diet with water fleas, frogs, mice, shrews, snails, and worms. Larger fish like walleye, sauger, and northern pike feast on these predatory species.
Goldeye Fish Threats:
Fish like walleye and pike are sought after by Goldeye. It is also known that goldeyes are preyed upon by birds and mammals.
Top Goldeye Fish Fishing Destinations:
- Milford Lake
- Curtis Creek
- Republican River
- Oldman River
- South Saskatchewan River
- Red Deer River
- Bow River
- North Saskatchewan River
Goldeye Fish Habitat and Distribution:
The shallow, muddy areas of more giant lakes, marshy backwaters, and hazy rivers are preferred habitats for goldeyes.
Lake of the Woods and Red Lakes are excellent habitats for goldeyes. Minnesota’s drainage systems contain them except for Lake Superior and the upper Mississippi River. They can be found in the Mackenzie River and Alberta, and Ohio. The primary commercial source of this species at the time was Lake Winnipeg, where they formerly resided.
Goldeye Fish Fishing Techniques:
In certain sizable lakes, commercial fishermen typically harvest goldeyes. They can be caught using a hook and line by anglers. In Canada, goldeyes are an important commercial fish species. They once played a significant role in northern Minnesota as well.
Goldeyes can make an excellent fly-fishing fish, despite not being well-liked by fishermen. To catch these fish, some fishermen participate in the annual event where they congregate at well-known Manitoba Goldeye hot spots. They are available for fishing from July to September.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What does Goldeye taste like?
Smoked Goldeye has a subtle white fish flavor and a silky texture. It tastes well on a fresh bagel or with cream cheese on crackers.
Are Gold Eyes good at eating?
Unappealing when it was fresh, it had a flavor unmatched by any other smoked fish when brined and smoked. Over time, word got out that smoked Goldeye was a wonderful treat at any time, not just something to eat in a pinch.
What fish family is Goldeye?
Freshwater fish, Goldeye, can be found in Canada and the northern United States. Only two species of the family Hiodontidae are still alive, the other being Hiodon tergisus. The word “alosoides” is Greek for “shad-like.”
Does Goldeye have teeth?
Teeth on the tongue, the roof of the mouth, and jaws have fully formed. They might travel great distances to spawn in tributary streams.
How big does Goldeye get?
Goldeyes are silvery, scaled fish with a white bottom and a blue or blue-green back. Their yellow or gold-colored eyes, adapted for low-light underwater circumstances, are a distinctive characteristic of Goldeye. The average length and weight of the Goldeye are 30.5 centimeters and 450 grams, respectively.
Can you eat goldeye fish?
Because the meat is rumored to be bony and mushy, the majority of fishermen in Montana release these foot-long fish. If not managed properly, it is. However, Goldeye is a prized eating fish in other parts of North America, particularly when smoked. In Manitoba, smoked Goldeye is a traditional dish.
Where do goldeye fish live?
The Goldeye inhabits the Mississippi River basins from the Northwest Territory through western Pennsylvania and Ohio, south to Louisiana, and James Bay in Canada.
What does a Goldeneye fish look like?
When examined closely, goldeye fish’s iridescent, silvery bodies may appear to have a combination of different hues. Some fish have shades other than silver on their bellies, such as bluish-green and white. The name of this fish refers to the vivid gold color of its eyes.
