Mooneye

At a glance

Mooneye (Hiodon tergisus) is an IUCN Least Concern bony-fish species regulated in 5 of 66 jurisdictions tracked by CatchRules across the U.S. and Canada.

The strictest bag limit is 8 (Saskatchewan); the most generous is 10 (Alberta).

Confirmed by 313 research-grade iNaturalist observations, with Quebec, Minnesota, and Wisconsin the top jurisdictions by observation count.

Notable details

• Named for its large golden eyes, which have a reflective layer that gleams in light.
• Typically reaches 12–16 inches and weighs 1–2 pounds.
• Found in clear, swift rivers and lakes across central and eastern North America.
• Closely related to the goldeye (Hiodon alosoides), which occupies more western rivers.
• Jumps acrobatically when hooked, earning comparisons to a miniature tarpon.

Where Mooneye are seen

• Quebec70 iNat obs
• Minnesota50 iNat obs
• Wisconsin37 iNat obs
• Ontario32 iNat obs
• Alberta22 iNat obs
• Ohio20 iNat obs

Jurisdictions with rules for Mooneye

• AlbertaCanada · official source
• IllinoisUnited States · official source
• QuebecCanada · official source

Background

Hiodon tergisus, the mooneye, is a freshwater fish that is widespread across eastern North America.

Background excerpt adapted from Wikipedia's Mooneye article (CC BY-SA). Visit Wikipedia for the full entry.