Northern Pike

Esox lucius

Named for a body shape that resembles a long spear-like weapon from the Middle Ages, Northern Pikes are a weapon in of themselves, being aggressive hunters of the underwater worlds where they live.

Habitat 

Northern Pikes can be found throughout much of the northern parts of the planet, including North America, Europe, and Russia. Look for them in wetlands, lakes, and rivers, with other fish and plants.

Food 

Other fish, frogs, aquatic insects, crayfish, leeches, and even small birds and mammals, are all part of the diet of Northern Pikes. Sometimes they will even eat each other!

Behaviour  

To ensure survival, Northern Pikes lay many, many eggs in shallow areas with plenty of plants. Young fish that do survive will hide among these same plants as they grow. For the most part, pike are solitary ambush predators that hunt during the day. They will sit in wait for long periods. Then, with a great burst of energy, they will finally dart out and grab their prey. Many inward-facing teeth ensure that even slippery fish stay caught.

Conservation  

Northern Pikes are common and abundant. Like all fish, they can be susceptible to changes in water quality, especially from pollution. They are a popular game fish and can reach up to 20 kg (45 lbs). They can be a problem when they are released into waters they do not regularly inhabit, quickly eating many of the native fish species.

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