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The Mooneye

Mooneye is a freshwater fish of lakes and larger river habitats. Deep pools and backwaters provide characteristic settings within its broad North American range.

Drainage Distribution

Records span the St. Lawrence–Great Lakes region, Mississippi and Hudson Bay basins and selected Gulf drainages. The Great Lakes account excludes Lake Superior. Geographic exceptions should remain visible rather than being erased by a broad regional label.

Deeper Quiet Habitat

Adults occur in deep pools and backwaters of medium to large rivers and in lakes and reservoirs. These settings differ from shallow exposed riffles. A river record should include the actual pool or backwater position when known, rather than implying use of the entire channel equally.

Size and Identity

The maximum reference is 47 centimeters total length, with a separate published weight of 907 grams. The scientific name is Hiodon tergisus. Preserve the head, eye, fins and complete body when comparing it with other silvery fishes from the same waterbody.

Keep Mooneye and Other Hiodon Records Separate

Similar-looking northern fishes can have different identities. Preserve the scientific name and locality with each size reference.

All Lakes With Mooneye

Browse lakes and reservoirs with documented Mooneye records, listed alphabetically. Records do not establish current abundance or public access. Check the evidence and managing authority for the water you choose.

Showing 1–15 of 15 lakes · Page 1 of 1

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