Pikeperch (Sander lucioperca) is a native fish species in the European and Asian basin, representing high natural and economical value. However, our information on the genetic background and diversity of European populations is still limited, despite of that the production and the number of bread stocks has increased significantly in the last decade. Our aim was to develop new useable species-specific microsatellites and compare genetic diversity of ten pikeperch population from the Danube drainage basin. Thirty-four novel species-specific DNA markers were isolated and seven polymorphic microsatellite markers were selected for the population genetic analysis. The results indicated strong anthropogenic effects among the populations. The F ST estimated by the method of Weir and Cockerham (1984) was 0.214, showing moderate genetic difference among the populations. The STRUCTURE analysis and the neighbourjoining dendrogram are showing the same result: the ten examined populations aggregate six genetically distinct units. Significant lack of heterozygosity was detected in most of the populations. Presumably, it is indicating the effects of human activities and such as vigorous stocking of natural waters. In addition, the effect was proved that fish stocks involved in pond culture and RAS rearing do not necessarily originated from the geographically closest natural populations.