Fauna
Fish

Amur Pike

Esox reichertii

Also 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
Amur Pike 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 →
Key facts
Diet & preySmall fish, Frogs, Rodents
Predators
  • Eagles
  • River otters
  • Human anglers
ThreatsHabitat alteration, water pollution, overfishing
HabitatsRivers, floodplains, sluggish streams, lakes
Life span10–15 years
Classification
  1. FamilyEsocidae
  2. SpeciesEsox reichertii
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. 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.
Related species
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