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Pikeperch is a popular game fish known commercially mainly for its superb taste. It is a predatory fish found in freshwater in both Europe and Asia. You can easily recognise pikeperch by its elongated body, broad head and large mouth full of sharp teeth. Does the pikeperch fall under the category of seabass, red seabass, and Victoria bass, or are we talking about an entirely different fish species?
Buy high-quality, fresh pikeperch
As a buyer, you are looking for top-quality fresh pikeperch, and just like us, you only want the best for your customers. This article takes a closer look at the characteristics, habitat, and (sustainable) fishing of pikeperch. That way, as a buyer, you know what quality you are getting and where the fish comes from.
Topics covered in this article include:
Pikeperch (Sander lucioperca), also called ‘zander’, is a common freshwater fish belonging to the Percidae family. Other nicknames for the pikeperch include “walleyed pike” and “marble-eye pike.” The latter nickname is due to the pikeperch’s large, cloudy eyes. Like cats, their eyes have a reflective retina − when the pikeperch hunts at night, they look like two glass balls.
You will mainly find pikeperch in rivers, lakes, and canals in Europe and Asia. The pikeperch swims from the Danube River to the Netherlands. There are several popular fishing areas in the Netherlands where pikeperch can be caught, such as the IJsselmeer and the Markermeer. Pikeperch is a sought-after fish for game fishermen but is also caught commercially for consumption in the Netherlands.
Besides its eccentric glassy eyes, pikeperch have several other notable characteristics. Wild pikeperch is especially easy to recognise by its greenish colour. The colour of its skin is determined by the stream bed the pikeperch swim in – of course, this means that farmed pikeperch is much lighter in colour.
Pikeperch is a notorious predatory fish. That is evident in part by its wide mouth with small sharp teeth. It allows them to quickly and effectively grab and hold their prey. The pikeperch has two rows of sharp teeth in the upper and lower jaws and an additional row at the back of the throat. This fish primarily prey on other fish, such as roach, bream, and silver bream. However, the pikeperch’s diet can vary depending on its size and age and the availability of prey in its habitat.
Pikeperch is a streamlined fish with an elongated, torpedo-like body. An average pikeperch is about 50 centimetres long, but wild pikeperch can grow over one metre long and weigh up to 20 kilogrammes. Pikeperch prefer deep water with lots of underwater vegetation and a sandy or muddy bed. They are found in both still and flowing waters and can adapt to different water conditions. They also prefer waters with lots of vegetation, where they can hide and hunt for their prey.
Pikeperch is both wild-caught and farmed. Wild pikeperch is a seasonal product mainly available during the winter months. From October to March, the fish remain in shallower waters to spawn and hunt. Wild pikeperch generally has a slightly firmer texture and more pronounced flavour than farmed pikeperch.
Farmed pikeperch is produced in aquaculture facilities, where the fish are raised in controlled conditions. Farmed pikeperch is available year-round and generally has a softer texture and milder flavour than wild pikeperch. Farmed pikeperch is produced in several places around the world, including the Netherlands, Germany, Poland, Denmark, and France.
In the Netherlands, farmed pikeperch has become increasingly popular for consumption because it is a sustainably farmed fish that is available year-round. The farmed variety from our own recirculation systems is currently the most sustainable pikeperch on the Dutch market. In our special nurseries, pikeperch are raised in large tanks with controlled water quality and temperature.
Farmed pikeperch generally has a higher fat content and fewer bones than wild pikeperch; this makes the farmed variety especially popular for culinary applications. When purchasing farmed pikeperch, make sure it comes from a responsible and sustainable farm.
Farmed Dutch pikeperch scores green on the Good Fish Guide. This authority assesses fish and seafood − for sale in the Netherlands − on sustainability. Wild-caught pikeperch is indicated as the “second choice” on the Good Fish Guide because the fish is vulnerable to overfishing.
By learning more about the habitats, diet, and fishing practices of pikeperch, we can better understand and protect this magnificent fish species for future generations. At Mooijer-Volendam, we are proud of our years of experience sourcing AAA-quality sustainable fresh fish, such as pikeperch. We remain committed to sustainable fishing practices and environmental conservation.
Pikeperch are not only popular with anglers but also with chefs. In fact, pikeperch meat is very tasty and is regularly served in restaurants for this reason. Pikeperch is one of the most delicious freshwater fish available and is renowned for its delicate flavour and white flesh. The fish has a firm and juicy texture. It is also a healthy fish rich in protein and omega-3 fatty acids.
There are several ways to prepare pikeperch, including frying, grilling, steaming, poaching, and smoking. In the Volendam region, it is traditional to fry pikeperch in a mixture of butter and oil. This creates a crispy crust and soft interior. Pikeperch can be served with various sauces and side dishes, such as potatoes, vegetables, and salads.
As with sea bass, herbs such as thyme, rosemary, and parsley complement pikeperch. Combined with a bit of olive oil, garlic, and lemon juice, it is a real treat!
It has been proven that pikeperch is a popular and versatile fish. This freshwater fish is known for its fighting spirit when caught and has a mild, delicate taste. In addition, pikeperch has a fascinating appearance. Especially for you, we have listed five more interesting pikeperch facts:
Are you looking forgood-quality wild or farmed pikeperch? Then you have come to the right place. Mooijer-Volendam sets high standards for its quality as a wholesaler and, therefore, also for all our fresh fish products. Our regular fish suppliers deliver fresh and frozen AAA product-quality pikeperch to our customers several times a week. Our customers can rely on this quality, which our customers demand from us.
That is why more and more customers know where to find us as a catering wholesaler or as a wholesaler for fishmongers, Asian shops, speciality shops, and large retailers.
Are you curious about our full range of pikeperch products?