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 Northern Pike |
Northern Pike(Fish) |
 Northern Pike Baby |
Northern Pike HabitsPike are found primarily in lakes, rivers, and reservoirs. They prefer deep, calm, or slow-moving water where the weeds are fairly dense. They usually hide in these weeds, away from the main current.
The fish's coloration varies according to the waters it inhabits. The most vividly colored specimens are found in clear water. Their mottled green scales allow them to blend in with the weeds and reed stems.
The pike's voracious appetite has long put it at odds with man. Fish farmers net it because it eats trout and salmon; gamekeepers kill it because it eats ducklings. Anglers regard it as a prize, however , and pike fishing is now a major sport. |
Northern Pike CommunicationPike communicate with one another through a range of low-frequency sounds—from buzzes and clicks to yelps and sobs. These sounds, which are only audible to humans using special instruments, communicate emotional states such as alarm or delight and help with courtship. |
Northern Pike BreedingPike generally spawn in late March or early April in reed beds or in shallow streams. The number of eggs produced depends on the size of the fish. The larger the fish, the more eggs it produces.
The eggs remain on or just above the bottom of the lake or stream until they hatch two to three weeks later. Larvae feed off the york save for 10 days, until it is completely absorbed. The young pike are then ready to hunt or prey. |
Northern Pike Food & FeedingThe pike preys mainly on different types of carp, although it will eat most other fish as well, including roach, rudd and bream. It also eats frogs, swimming voles, rats, and small water birds such as mallard ducklings, moorhens, and coots.
A young pike differs from a mature pike in that it actively pursue its prey. It feeds in water fleas, worm, and young fish. As it gets older, it catches prey by remaining motionless waiting for an unsuspecting victim to swim within range. Its dorsal and anal fins are positioned fat back on its body, which makes it capable of rapid acceleration.
Prey is detected by sight and a northern pike can spot a potential meal over 50 feet away. It is thought that vibrations in the water may help lead the pike to its prey. |
Northern Pike Key Facts |
| Size |
| Height: Length: Female, up to 5 ft. Males are smaller |
| Weight: Males, rarely weigh more than 11 lb. Female, up to 55 lbs |
| Breeding |
| Sexual maturity: 1 year |
| Mating: March and April |
| Gestation: Hatching time: 2-3 weeks |
| Number of young: 40,000-50,000 |
| Lifestyle |
| Habit: Predatory, ambushes prey rather than hunting actively |
| Diet: Mainly other small fish. Will also eat young coots and ducks |
| Lifespan: Average 7-10 years |
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