About Sander volgensis (Gmelin, 1789)
Taxonomy and Size Comparison
The Volga pikeperch, with the scientific name Sander volgensis (Gmelin, 1789), is considerably smaller than the zander, also called common pike-perch (Sander lucioperca).
Maximum Size
It reaches a maximum total length of 40 cm (16 in) and a maximum weight of 2 kg (4.4 lb).
Dentition Distinction
It can be distinguished from Sander lucioperca by its lack of large, canine teeth similar in shape to vampire fangs.
Body Coloration
Its body color is more silvery-grey than green, and it has much more clearly distinguishable dark stripes along its sides.
Fin and Scale Counts
Its second dorsal fin has between nineteen and twenty-one branched soft rays, and the number of scales along the lateral line ranges from seventy to eighty-three.
Black Sea Basin Distribution
This species is distributed in the northern Black Sea basin, from the Danube (as far upstream as Vienna) to the Kuban River drainages.
Caspian Sea Basin Distribution
It also occurs in the Caspian Sea basin, within the Volga River and Ural River drainages.
Habitat and Migrations
It lives in large, turbid rivers and lakes, as well as brackish estuaries, and may undertake short breeding migrations.
