Fish · GBIF taxon 2346630
Amur Pike
Esox reichertiiAlso known as Blackspotted Pike
Amur pike are solitary ambush predators native to the vast Amur Basin and Sakhalin Island. Their pale golden to silvery bodies are peppered with distinct black spots, offering sleek camouflage among submerged vegetation and fallen timber. Waiting motionless in slow-moving water, they launch explosive attacks on passing fish, waterbirds, and small mammals.
FreshwaterPredatoryAmbush Hunter
Licensed reference(c) Andshel, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA) · cc-by-sa
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Small fish
- Frogs
- Rodents
Predators
- Eagles
- River otters
- Human anglers
ThreatsHabitat alteration, water pollution, overfishing
HabitatsRivers, floodplains, sluggish streams, lakes
Life span10–15 years
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilyEsocidae
- SpeciesEsox reichertii
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Sharp teeth can cause deep lacerations; handle carefully with long pliers when unhooking.
- Why it is dangerous
- Rows of sharp, backward-slanting teeth can easily slice fingers or hands during handling.
- How to recognize a risky encounter
- Look for a slender body with silvery-gold scales covered in distinct black spots.
- What to do
- Use long-nosed pliers and tooth-resistant gloves to keep hands clear of the jaw.
Responsible observation
- Observe Quietly: Approach riverbanks carefully to spot them lurking motionless in weed beds.
- Safe Handling: Use jaw spreaders and long pliers to unhook fish safely without injury.
- Protect Habitat: Avoid disturbing submerged logs and vegetation where these predators hunt.
Competitor 
Close Relative (c) Patrick Jackson, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Patrick Jackson · cc-by
Close Relative (c) James St. John, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
Close Relative (c) jamie bee, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
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