What feeding stage signals a walleye reaching three to five inches in length?
Answer
Piscivorous stage
A clear division exists in the walleye's diet based on size, marking a major developmental milestone. When the fish typically reaches approximately three to five inches in length, its feeding focus shifts dramatically away from invertebrates. This fundamental change signals their entry into the piscivorous stage, meaning they become primary fish-eaters. At this point, they begin actively pursuing small minnows, larval fish, or other smaller forage species encountered in their environment.
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