What is the Difference Between Sauger and Walleye?

The main differences between sauger and walleye are their appearance, habitat, and size. Here are the key distinctions:

1. Appearance:

• Saugers have dark spots along their entire dorsal fin, while walleyes have no spots but do have a black patch on the membrane between the last two or three spines.
• Saugers have dark, mottled coloration along the entire length of their bodies, while walleyes do not.
• Walleyes have a white-tipped tail fin, which is absent on saugers.

1. Habitat:

• Walleyes tend to live in large, deep, cool lakes or reservoirs with clear waters and rock or gravel bottoms.
• Saugers prefer faster-flowing turbid rivers or larger lakes with mud or sand bottoms.

1. Size:

• Walleyes can grow larger than saugers, with some reaching more than 30 inches in length.
• Saugers are typically smaller, averaging 12 to 18 inches in length.

In some cases, saugers and walleyes can crossbreed, producing hybrid "saugeye" that have dark blotches like saugers and a white lower tail similar to walleyes.

Comparative Table: Sauger vs Walleye

Here is a table comparing the differences between Sauger and Walleye:

Both Sauger and Walleye are popular freshwater fish known for their fighting spirit and delicious, flaky meat. They are closely related and have a similar body shape, but there are some key differences that can help you identify them. Sauger have an elongated, 'cigar' shape, while Walleye are more fat and pudgy. Sauger have a dark tail fin with no white dots at the base, whereas Walleye have a white lower tail with possible black dots. The dorsal fin of a Walleye is uniformly gray with no obvious spots, while a Sauger's dorsal fin has distinct spots and markings. Walleye have a smooth cheek with few or no scales, while Sauger have cheek scales.

In terms of habitat and behavior, Sauger are found in rivers and streams, preferring clear waters, while Walleye are often found in still waters with cooler temperatures and rocky or gravel bottoms. Sauger tolerate warmer water better than Walleye. Both species are nomadic, structure-oriented predators, feeding on smaller fish. They are also known to crossbreed in areas where they inhabit the same waters, producing hybrid 'Saugeye'.