Fish · GBIF taxon 2346633
Northern Pike
Esox luciusAlso known as Jackfish, Northern, Common Pike, Jack
Northern pike are formidable ambush predators easily recognized by their elongated, torpedo-shaped bodies, olive-green coloration with light spots, and duckbill-like snouts. They lurk silently among dense aquatic vegetation, waiting to strike prey with explosive bursts of speed powered by their rear-set fins. As apex predators in freshwater ecosystems, they play a critical role in regulating prey fish populations.
FreshwaterPredatorSolitary
1 / 7—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Yellow perch
- Frogs
- Crayfish
Predators
- Birds of prey
- Larger northern pike
- Humans
ThreatsHabitat degradation, water pollution, overfishing, and climate change
HabitatsSlow-moving rivers, vegetated lakes, reservoirs, and marshes
Life span10 to 15 years
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilyEsocidae
- SpeciesEsox lucius
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Possesses rows of razor-sharp teeth; handle with care using specialized pliers and gloves.
Responsible observation
- Handling: Use a landing net and long-nosed pliers to safely remove hooks from their toothy mouths.
- Observation: Look for them suspended motionless near weed beds, lily pads, or submerged logs.
- Catch and Release: Support the heavy body horizontally under the belly to avoid injuring internal organs.
Prey (c) Quinn, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Quinn · cc-by
Predator (c) Lawrence Hylton, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Lawrence Hylton · 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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