What Does a Pike Look Like (And How to Identify It?

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Most anglers have fun experiencing different fish species. One of the most sought-after species is pike fish. These predatory fish are ideal for anglers looking for challenging adventures. They are also perfect for beginners looking to improve their angling skills and experience with vigorous fish.

Anglers who prefer fishing under heavy vegetation or rocky vegetation will have fun experiencing these vigorous species. Keep reading and learn more about Pike fish.

What is a pike Fish?

Pike are freshwater fish of the Esocidae family. It’s one big species with several genus including northern Pike, walleye, muskellunge, and salmon. They are fished for fun and commercial use. They have a foul smell when alive, but they still make a beautiful delicacy with the right recipe. Usually, you will find them in streams, shallow weedy places, and rocky waters.

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What Does a Pike Look Like?

Pike are predatory fish with an olive and cream coloration that helps them camouflage. They also have a pattern that is unique to every Pike. Their bodies are long with a torpedo shape and small scales. These small scales are covered in blue-gray, yellow-green, or pinkish colors. Additionally, they have long bony heads with upward-facing eyes. They also have a broad, flattened snout that is shoved-like. Their teeth are fierce and sharp, with the upper jaw consisting of backward-pointing teeth and have larger needle-like teeth. Unlike other fish species, the dorsal and anal fins are far back on the tail.

How do you Identify a Pike?

Pike are unique species; anglers can easily differentiate them from other species by their appearance. Pike has a long body, large head, and shovel like snout. Mostly, they lie near the bottom of the water. Their eyes are usually on top of the head facing upwards. Pike also has sharp and fierce teeth on the upper and lower jaw. Their fins also stand out since the dorsal and anal fin are far back on the tail.

How long is a Pike?

Pike is a highly-priced predatory fish due to its size. Its name originates from Pike a long pole. The muskellunge is the biggest in the genus; it can reach up to 48 inches long. The popular Northern Pike ranges between 16 to 22 inches long, with the biggest recorded one being 150cm.

How big can the Northern Pike Get?  

Northern Pike is the most popular of these species. They get relatively big, with the European Pike growing bigger than the North American Pike. The largest Northern Pike caught was a 55-pound behemoth coming from Lake Griffin. As Northern Pike grow longer, they increase in weight.

What do Pike Fish Eat?

Pike generally are carnivorous fish. The young Pike feeds on small invertebrates like daphnia and  Gammarus. When they get 4 to 8cm long, they start feeding on small fish. As they grow, they feed on larger species. They are also known to feed on insects, crayfish, and leeches. They have also been observed trying to hunt and drown large water birds. To capture their prey, they are known to maintain a stationary position moving the last fin rays of dorsal fins and pectoral fins before they strike.

Where do Pike Live

There are seven species included in the Esox genus. However, the most common are Pike, American pickerel, chain pickerel, and muskellunge. All these species can be found in different parts.

Northern Pike: This species is the most common Pike. It is found in Europe, Northern Asia, and North America. These parts include a large stretch between Alaska and the Midwestern United States.

Southern Pike: The southern Pike, is found far south in Italy, southern France, and Switzerland.

Amur Pike: This Pike is also known as the black-spotted Pike. Its original habitat is the Amur River in Asia, which servesChina, Mongolia, and Russia.

Aquitanian Pike: The Aquitanian Pike, is native to the southwestern region of France. It was first spotted in 2014.

Are Pike Invasive

Pike ate highly invasive fish. Invasive species are plants and animals that do not occur naturally in an area, but they can negatively affect the environment when introduced.For instance, Pike was introduced in Southcentral Alaska; they have kept on growing, reducing the salmon and trout population.

Final Impression

Some anglers pride themselves on catching aggressive and fighting species. Pike is a perfect choice for anglers looking to fulfill their desire to catch fighting fish. These interesting fish species will leave you awed by their behavior, size, and feeding. Anglers who have experienced these species can attest to their unique character.Therefore if you are looking for your next challenge, I recommend that you fish for Pike and target Pike’s trophy size.

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