Taxonomy
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Actinopterygii
- Order
- Perciformes
- Family
- Hiodontidae
- Genus
- Hiodon
- Species
- tergisus
Habitat
Mooneye primarily inhabit large rivers, lakes, and reservoirs in North America, favoring clear, open waters with moderate currents and sandy or gravelly bottoms. They are commonly found in the Great Lakes region and major river basins like the Mississippi. This species avoids heavily vegetated or turbid areas.
Diet
Mooneye feed on insects, small fish, and crustaceans, often targeting prey near the surface or in midwater. They are visual predators that actively hunt during low-light periods like dawn and dusk. Their feeding behavior includes schooling to corral prey.
Behavior
Mooneye are schooling fish that form loose groups for protection and feeding, making them more active at night or in low-light conditions. They exhibit migratory patterns, moving to shallower waters in spring for spawning and deeper areas in winter. Territorial behavior is minimal, but they can be skittish and quick to flee from threats.
Conservation Status
Listed as Least Concern by IUCN.