Superb and atypical, the zander is named “fish of the year”
Zander is popular with fishermenImage: wikimedia
Zander has been named “Fish of the Year 2025” by the Swiss Fishing Federation (FSP). This choice is motivated by “the need to create more natural aquatic habitats, so that wild native fish are once again more numerous for fishing.”
Zander is very popular with professional fishermen as well as anglers. “Its white, boneless fillets appeal to all starred chefs,” noted the FSP on Thursday.
Image: wikimedia
The latter regrets that only around 10 tonnes can be fished each year in Swiss waters. The high demand can only be met by aquaculture and imports. “This should make us think,” says Daniel Jositsch, central president of the FSP, quoted in the press release.
Small lakes
Professionals are full of praise for the chosen one with fins:
“Superb like a mythical creature, merciless like a fiery predator, pike perch is appreciated both for fishing and in cooking. It is one of the most fascinating fish in Swiss waters.”
This fish is, however, an “immigrant.” It only began to spread in Switzerland around sixty years ago. Today, it lives in significant numbers in the lakes of Morat, Gruyère, Schiffenen, Sihl, Constance and in Lake Lugano. But it also feels at home in many rivers, dam reservoirs and canals on the Plateau, specifies the FSP.
The zander is distinguished by its two separate dorsal fins, the front having distinctive spines. “Its slightly sparkling scales, its large eyes and its widely protruding mouth give it an air of nobility”the FSP gets carried away.
Formidable, atypical
The zander is also formidable. “It is an excellent hunter, superior to most of its prey. Additionally, like wolves, zanders move in packs, surround their prey in a coordinated manner, then attack suddenly.”
During the spawning period, the male builds a nest on a gravel or sand bottom, often near submerged structures such as roots. It attracts a female who lays the eggs in this nursery. After spawning, the male stays to fiercely monitor the eggs, the fishermen further specify.
Thanks to its ability to adapt, the zander is one of the rare species of fish to survive on its own. “But we must exploit it sustainably, which is why we need protective measures,” argues David Bittner, administrator of the FSP. (jah/ats)
The news in Switzerland is here
A new study from the University of Bern highlights a link between the rejection of Covid-19 laws and increased excess mortality in Swiss municipalities.
Switzerland stood out during the Covid-19 pandemic: no other country has allowed its population to vote on protective measures decided by the government. Three referendums were held – in June 2021, November 2021 and June 2023 – and, each time, the Swiss approved the measures with just over 60% of the vote.
