The zander (Sander lucioperca) is an eastern European fish introduced into the UK during the 20th century, it is thought, by Francis Russell, 9th Duke of Bedford. In 1878. he reportedly released 23 German zander into the Woburn Abbey lakes. These fish remained local until, in 1963, biologists of the Great Ouse River Authority controversially released 97 small zander into the Great Ouse relief channel. Since then they have spread all over Cambridgeshire and indeed as far as the Severn. The slow moving Cambridgeshire rivers seem to suit these aggressive fish. See Giles, Nick (1993) Fresh Water Fish of the British Isles for more information.

We understand that the zander is favoured by our eastern European population who can sometimes be seen fishing for this delicacy.

John McCullough

Comments …