Description

Goldeye are a very bright silver fish with a gold coloration to the iris of their very large eye. They have sharp teeth on their tongue and jaws. The dorsal fin begins just behind the front edge of the anal fin and has 9 or 10 rays. Goldeye have a fleshy keel or pointed edge to their belly from between the pectoral fins all the way back to the anus. This keel does not have a row of scales folded over the edge like the shads and herrings forming a serrated saw like edge. Goldeye differ from the closely related mooneye by having a more elongate body, dorsal fin starting behind the front of the anal fin, longer keel on belly, and gold coloration to the iris of the eye.

Habitat and Habits

Goldeye are found in large rivers and are rather tolerant (actually seem to have a preference for) turbid (murky) waters from clay silts. They do not however tolerate industrial chemical pollutants. They are often found in areas with swift currents, often below dams. In Ohio the goldeye is found in the Ohio River and its larger tributaries, particularly the Scioto River. Likely because of its preference for somewhat turbid waters it used to be much more abundant than the closely related mooneye. Today the goldeye is very rare in Ohio waters of the Ohio River and is far out numbered by the clear water preferring mooneye.

Reproduction and Care of the Young

Goldeye are thought to spawn in March or early April. Details of their life history are unclear but it is thought that they spawn in areas with swift currents and allow their eggs to drift with the current until hatching.

Quick Facts

• Fish Family: Hiodontidae (Mooneyes)


• Other Names: Bony Tongue


• Ohio Status: Endangered


• Adult Size:Typically 15-17 inches, can reach 20 inches. Usually weigh 1-2 pounds, can reach 3 pounds


• Typical Foods: Primarily small fish and some aquatic invertebrates.