Species · GBIF taxon 5205686
Northern Pikeminnow
Ptychocheilus oregonensisAlso known as Columbia River Dace, Northern Squawfish
Northern pikeminnows are streamlined, voracious freshwater predators native to major river systems of the Pacific Northwest. Unlike most minnows, adults grow quite large and feed heavily on other fish, particularly juvenile salmon and steelhead migrating through dammed river impoundments. Their large mouth, elongated body, dark olive-green back, and lack of an adipose fin distinguish them from trout and salmon sharing the same waters.
FreshwaterPredatoryNative
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Salmon smolts
- Crayfish
- Sculpins
Predators
- Osprey
- Bald Eagle
- River Otter
ThreatsTargeted harvest programs to reduce salmon predation
HabitatsLakes, slow-moving river pools, and reservoirs
Life span15–20 years
Classification
- OrderCypriniformes
- FamilyCyprinidae
- GenusPtychocheilus
- SpeciesPtychocheilus oregonensis
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Safe to observe at a normal distance.
Responsible observation
- Spotting: Watch for large individuals lurking in slow eddies, rocky pools, and below dams during summer months.
- Identification: Look for a deeply fork-tailed minnow with a long snout and no adipose fin.
- Angling Etiquette: Check local regulations regarding regional management programs in the Columbia River basin.
Prey (c) Owen Strickland, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Owen Strickland · cc-by
Frequent Companion (c) Victor Hooper, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
Close Relative (c) Skyler K, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Skyler K · cc-by
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