How are the two separate dorsal fins of Sander vitreus characterized morphologically?
Answer
The anterior fin is spiny and the posterior fin is soft-rayed
The walleye possesses two distinct dorsal fins. Morphologically, the anterior dorsal fin is characterized by being spiny, containing rigid spines, while the posterior dorsal fin is composed of soft rays. This arrangement—having a spiny anterior section followed by a soft-rayed posterior section—is a feature commonly observed among many species classified within the Order Perciformes, which groups the walleye with other spiny-rayed fish like the perch.

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