Pike

Distribution: North America and Eurasia

Size Length: 46‒51cm

Weight: 0.5‒1.4 Kg

Lifespan: 2‒4 years

Diet: Carnivore

Social life: Solitary

IUCN red list status: Least Concern



This predator is easily identified by its dorsal and anal fins placed well back and elongated, streamlined body. It has a green/brown body with seven to nine yellow rows and some bean-shaped spots providing perfect camouflage. The underside presents a lighter color. In its large mouth there are many large and sharp teeth. Females are bigger and grow much faster than males.

Spawn occurs during spring, usually, during the day. Both sexes swim together near vegetation and release eggs and sperm simultaneously. Females lay 5 to 60 eggs at a time, which are sticky and adhere to plants, the young pike hatching after 10 to 15 days.

This fish is solitary and highly territorial. They are a carnivorous fish a take advantage of their sharp teeth to pray smaller fish, crustaceans, frogs and even small birds and mammals.