The goldeye (Hiodon alosoides) is a remarkable freshwater fish that inhabits the water bodies of Canada and the northern United States. With its distinctive silver body and captivating golden eyes, this species belongs to the family Hiodontidae, where it is one of the two surviving members, the other being Hiodon tergisus. The goldeye, also known as Winnipeg goldeye, western goldeye, yellow herring, toothed herring, shad mooneye, la Queche, weepicheesis, or laquaiche aux yeux d'or in French, exhibits fascinating characteristics and plays an important role in the aquatic ecosystem.
Goldeyes are easily identifiable by their compressed body shape and their large, shimmering gold eyes. When viewed from above, their body appears blue-green silver, while from below, it takes on a more white silver hue. Sporting two abdominal and pelvic fins, a dorsal fin on their back, and an anal fin on their underside, goldeyes exhibit a symmetrical fin configuration. The dorsal fin is usually positioned opposite or behind the origin of the anal fin. Another distinguishing feature is the fleshy keel that extends from their pectoral fins to the base of the anal fin. Their mouths are large, positioned terminally, and possess a blunt round snout. Additionally, goldeyes have cycloid scales that lack spines and possess a sensory system called the lateral line system. While adults typically measure around 15–17 inches (380–430 mm) in length, some individuals can reach up to 20 inches (510 mm). However, goldeyes generally weigh only 1–2 pounds (0.45–0.91 kg).
Goldeyes reach sexual maturity at around 7–10 years for females and 6–9 years for males. They engage in spawning activities during late May or early June. The eggs they lay are approximately 4 millimeters (0.16 in) in size and exhibit semi-buoyancy. This unique characteristic, more commonly observed in marine fish, allows the eggs to float in the water and drift downstream or settle in quiet waters. The growth of the eggs predominantly occurs between June and September, marking a critical period in their life cycle.
Goldeyes have an extensive range, stretching from the Mackenzie River in the north, including locations like Aklavik, all the way down to the Mississippi River in the south. They also occupy a territory extending from Alberta in the west to areas south of the Great Lakes in Ohio, with a separate population found south of James Bay. These fish exhibit a preference for turbid, slower-moving waters found in lakes and rivers, contributing to their distribution across various regions.
Feeding habits of goldeyes primarily consist of insects, crustaceans, fish, and frogs. Despite their small size, with an average length of less than 1 lb (450 g) or 12 in (30 cm), some specimens can reach up to 2 lb (910 g) or 16 in (41 cm) in certain lakes. Although reports of goldeyes measuring up to 52 cm (20 in) in length have been noted, such instances are rare.
While goldeyes are not widely pursued by anglers due to their small size, they are considered a prized catch for fly-fishing enthusiasts. Interestingly, goldeyes hold historical significance, being among the 122 new species documented by the Lewis & Clark Corps of Discovery. Commercial fishing of this species dates back to as early as 1876. Initially, goldeyes were not valued for their flesh and were often sold as dog food after being randomly caught in gillnets. However, a breakthrough came when Robert Firth, an immigrant from England, unintentionally developed the hot-smoking method for goldeyes in Winnipeg, Manitoba, in 1886. This discovery led to the fish becoming a fashionable gourmet dish, favored by influential individuals such as Woodrow Wilson and the Prince of Wales. In the late 1920s, the annual goldeye catch exceeded a million pounds, but stocks dwindled after 1931, and fishing in Lake Winnipeg significantly declined by 1938. Today, commercial harvests primarily supply the Canadian market, with a small portion exported to the United States. While Lake Winnipeg was once the primary source, goldeyes now come from various regions, especially Saskatchewan and Alberta. The culinary name "Winnipeg goldeye" has become synonymous with the city where the processing takes place.
The goldeye fish has left an indelible mark not only in the natural environment but also in human culture. It has become the namesake of Winnipeg's minor league baseball team, the Winnipeg Goldeyes, showcasing the fish's enduring significance in the region.
In conclusion, the goldeye fish, with its distinct beauty and ecological importance, occupies a special place in the freshwater ecosystems of Canada and the northern United States. From its silver body and mesmerizing golden eyes to its feeding habits and historical significance, the goldeye captivates both nature enthusiasts and culinary enthusiasts alike. While its size may not make it a popular sport fish, its contribution to the ecosystem and cultural heritage make it an invaluable species worth appreciating and protecting.