Is this a Zander?

[martyp]

Hi there,
I saw this in the canal recently and someone suggested it was a Zander which may have been killed as part of a culling done to prevent harm to fish populations? Can anyone confirm or advise what it is otherwise?

Many thanks

[Kayleigh]

It don't look one to me but its hard to say.

[yorkieuk]

I would say it is a carp, definitely not a zander.

[amnesia91]

Its a carp, note the barbules at the corner of the mouth, looks like its been dead a while though!

Zander have teeth!

The culling is done by electro - fishing, so the fish are stunned and float to the top, where they are subsequently dispatched. They are left in the water - that would cause all sorts of issues!

[meinchewster]

Originally Posted by martyp

Hi there,
I saw this in the canal recently and someone suggested it was a Zander which may have been killed as part of a culling done to prevent harm to fish populations? Can anyone confirm or advise what it is otherwise?

Many thanks

Its a carp not a zander. British waterways have greatly reduced the zander culling programme having realised that its no longer cost effective once a good population of zander has become established.

Zander are now present across much of the uk and although not protected under the newly ammended marine bill,they have been present in england since 1893, along with a later introduction in the 60s. Zander have now found some balance in the waters they have been long established.