What does the specific epithet vitreus in Sander vitreus reference?
Answer
Its large, glassy-looking eyes
The specific epithet *vitreus* is directly derived from the Latin word meaning "glassy" or "made of glass." This term was chosen because it points to the walleye's most striking physical feature: its large, reflective eyes. These large ocular structures are a significant adaptation tied to its placement within the genus *Sander*, allowing the walleye to function effectively as a crepuscular or nocturnal predator by improving vision in low-light conditions common in the deeper or more turbid freshwater environments it prefers.
Related Questions
What does the specific epithet vitreus in Sander vitreus reference?Which family classification places S. vitreus directly with the sauger (S. canadensis)?What defining skeletal characteristic separates the Class Actinopterygii from lobe-finned fishes?What is the global conservation status assessment (G5) assigned to Sander vitreus by NatureServe?Which species hybridizes with S. vitreus to produce the fertile cross known as "saugeye"?What physical feature is a primary characteristic of the genus Sander besides the elongated body?Before the acceptance of the genus Sander, what scientific name was often used for the walleye?What temperature range defines the preferred habitat classification for walleye as coolwater fish?Membership in the Phylum Chordata signifies that S. vitreus possesses which developmental structures?How are the two separate dorsal fins of Sander vitreus characterized morphologically?