The Walleye is the largest member of the perch family in North America. It is not a pike, a misconception that comes from the sharp, strong canine teeth that resemble those of the Northern Pike and Muskellunge.
Walleyes have large eyes that appear silver or reddish due to a reflective layer in the retina.
This reflective layer greatly improves night vision by reflecting incoming light back through the light-sensitive cells of the retina. The body is covered with scales that have a rough texture due to tiny projections. The saides are olive-green with gold or yellow flecks, and the underside is white. Dark mottling and blotches are often found on the back and sides of the walleye. The walleye differs from the sauger by having a distinct, dark mark at the rear obase of the spiny dorsal fin, and a white tip on the lower lobe of the caudal fin.