E-Fauna BC: Electronic Atlas of the Wildlife of British Columbia

Hiodon alosoides (Rafinesque, 1819)
Goldeye
Family: Hiodontidae

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Source: Distribution map provided by Don McPhail for E-Fauna BC

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Species Information

This species has a deep laterally compressed body and sides that taper downward into a smooth ventral keel; the dorsal fin in located well behind the middle of the body' the length of the anal fin base is over twice the length of the dorsal fin base, and, in adults, the iris of the eye is a golden yellow. For further information, refer to McPhail (2008)

Source: McPail, J. D. 2008. The Freshwater Fishes of British Columbia. University of Alberta Press, Edmonton.

Biology

Species Biology

Occurs in deep, open pools and channels of turbid, lowland rivers; small lakes and impoundments (Ref. 5723, 10294). Feeds on surface and aquatic insects, crustaceans, mollusks, small fishes, frogs, shrew, and mice (Ref. 10294). Migrates upstream in the spring to spawn and feed. Moves downstream in the fall. Mainly nocturnal. Preyed upon by birds, some mammals, and other fishes

Source: FishBase. Scott, W.B. and E.J. Crossman 1973 Freshwater fishes of Canada. Bull. Fish. Res. Board Can. 184:1-966.

Distribution

BC Distribution and Notes

The status of this species in B.C. needs to be clarified. Only small numbers of goldeye are taken in B.C. and they may be occasional wanderers from downstream populations in Alberta. Juveniles are present in the Ft. Nelson River, however, and there may be a breeding population in the B.C. portion of the Liard system.

Source: Information provided by Don McPhail for E-Fauna BC.

Global Distribution

North America: western Ontario to the Mackenzie River as far down as Aklavik. In the east, it extends southwest below the Great Lakes, through the Ohio and Mississippi River drainages. In the, west it occurs southeast from western Alberta, through eastern Montana and Wyoming, to Oklahoma.

Source: FishBase. Scott, W.B. and E.J. Crossman 1973 Freshwater fishes of Canada. Bull. Fish. Res. Board Can. 184:1-966.

Status Information

Origin Status	Provincial Status	BC List (Red Blue List)	COSEWIC
Native	S3	Blue	Not Listed

BC Ministry of Environment: BC Species and Ecosystems Explorer--the authoritative source for conservation information in British Columbia.

Taxonomic and Nomenclatural Links

Genetic and lineage information (NCBI Taxonomy Browser)

Additional Range and Status Information Links

NatureServe Explorer
University of Alaska Museum

Additional Photo Sources

Flickr Image Search
Google Image Search
Images from Calphoto

Related Databases

fishbase

General References

FishBase References
Google Scholar Search

Recommended citation: Author, Date. Page title. In Klinkenberg, Brian. (Editor) 2021. E-Fauna BC: Electronic Atlas of the Fauna of British Columbia [efauna.bc.ca]. Lab for Advanced Spatial Analysis, Department of Geography, University of British Columbia, Vancouver. [Accessed: 2025-01-16 6:13:03 AM]

Disclaimer: The information contained in an E-Fauna BC atlas pages is derived from expert sources as cited (with permission) in each section. This information is scientifically based. E-Fauna BC also acts as a portal to other sites via deep links. As always, users should refer to the original sources for complete information. E-Fauna BC is not responsible for the accuracy or completeness of the original information.