| Mooneyes | ||||||||||
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| Scientific classification | ||||||||||
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| Species | ||||||||||
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Hiodon alosoides Hiodon tergisus Hiodon consteniorum (extinct) |
The mooneyes are a family Hiodontidae of primitive ray-finned fish comprising two living and one extinct species in the genus Hiodon.
The mooneye, Hiodon tergisus Lesueur 1818, is widespread across North America, living in the clear waters of lakes, ponds, and rivers. It consumes aquatic invertebrates, insects, and fish. Mooneyes can reach 47 cm in length.
The goldeye, Hiodon alosoides Rafinesque 1819, is also widespread across North America, and is notable for a conspicious golden iris in the eyes. It prefers turbid slower-moving waters of lakes and rivers, where it feeds on insects, crustaceans, fish, frogs, shrews, and mice. It has been reported up to 52 cm in length. The smoked meat is highly valued and sold as "Winnipeg goldeye".
The goldeye also lends its name to the Winnipeg Goldeyes baseball team.
