View source for Northern pike

{{Short description|Species of fish}}
{{About|the fish|the Canadian band|The Northern Pikes}}
{{More citations needed|date=September 2023}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2020}}
{{speciesbox
| name = Northern pike
| image = Esox lucius ZOO 1.jpg
| image_caption = Northern pike at [[Plzeň Zoo]]
| status = LC
| status_system = IUCN3.1
| status_ref = <ref name=iucn>{{cite iucn | author =  NatureServe| title = ''Esox lucius'' | page = e.T135631A133427422 | year = 2018 | errata = 2013 | doi = 10.2305/IUCN.UK.2018-2.RLTS.T135631A133427422.en | access-date = 19 February 2022}}</ref>
| genus = Esox
| species = lucius
| authority = [[Carl Linnaeus|Linnaeus]], [[10th edition of Systema Naturae|1758]]
| range_map = Distribution map of Esox lucius.png
| range_map_caption = Range of northern pike as traditionally defined (including populations now often regarded as separate species: [[Amur pike|Amur]], [[Aquitanian pike|Aquitanian]], and [[Esox cisalpinus|southern pikes]])
}}

The '''northern pike''' ('''''Esox lucius''''') is a [[species]] of carnivorous [[fish]] of the genus ''[[Esox]]'' (pikes). They are commonly found in [[brackish water|moderately salty]] and [[fresh water]]s of the [[Northern Hemisphere]] (''i.e.'' [[holarctic]] in distribution). They are known simply as a '''pike''' ([[Plural|{{sc|pl}}]]: pike) in [[Great Britain]], [[Ireland]], most of Eastern Europe, [[Canada]] and the [[United States|U.S.]], although in the Midwest, they may be called a '''Northern.'''<ref>{{Cite web |last=Loesche |first=Max |date=2022-08-27 |title=Different Names for Northern Pike (From Around the World) |url=https://strikeandcatch.com/different-names-for-northern-pike/ |access-date=2024-02-08 |website=Strike and Catch |language=en-US}}</ref>

Pike can grow to a relatively large size. Their average length is about {{convert|40|–|55|cm|in|abbr=on}}, with maximum recorded lengths of up to {{convert|150|cm|in|0|abbr=on}} and maximum weights of {{convert|28.4|kg|abbr=on}}.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.fishbase.org/summary/Esox-lucius.html|title=Esox lucius Linnaeus, 1758 Northern pike|work=Fish Base|publisher=fishbase.org|access-date=2 February 2017}}</ref> The [[International Game Fish Association|IGFA]] currently recognises a {{convert|25|kg|lb|abbr=on}} pike caught by Lothar Louis on Greffern Lake, Germany, on 16 October 1986, as the all-tackle world-record holding northern pike. <ref>{{cite web|url=http://wrec.igfa.org/WRecordsList.aspx?lc=AllTackle&cn=Pike,%20northern|title=pike, northern (''Esox lucius'')|work=IGFA World Record|publisher=IGFA Online|access-date=2 February 2017}}</ref> Northern pike grow to larger sizes in Eurasia than in North America, and in coastal Eurasian regions than inland ones.<ref>Rypel, A.L. 2012. Meta-analysis of growth rates for a circumpolar fish, the northern pike (Esox lucius), with emphasis on effects of continent, climate and latitude. Ecology of Freshwater Fish 21: 521-532.</ref>

==Etymology==
The northern pike gets its common name from its resemblance to the pole-weapon known as the [[Pike (weapon)|pike]] (from the [[Middle English]] for 'pointed'). Various other unofficial [[trivial name]]s are common pike, Lakes pike, great northern pike, great northern, northern (in the U.S. [[Upper Midwest]] and in the Canadian provinces of [[Alberta]], [[Manitoba]] and [[Saskatchewan]]), jackfish, jack, slough shark, snake, slimer, slough snake, gator (due to a head similar in shape to that of an alligator), hammer handle, and other such names as "long head" or "pointy nose". Numerous other names can be found in ''Field Museum Zool. Leaflet Number 9''.<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://www.biodiversitylibrary.org/item/25559|title=Pike, pickerel and muskalonge /|last=Weed|first=Alfred Cleveland|date=1927|publisher=Field Museum of Natural History|volume=9 (1927)|location=Chicago }}</ref> Its earlier common name, the luci (now lucy) or [[wikt:luce#English|luce]] when fully grown, was used to form its taxonomic name (''Esox lucius'') and is used in [[Esox#Heraldry|heraldry]].

==Description==
[[File:Esox lucius 30zz.jpg|thumb|Skull of a Northern pike]]
Northern pike are most often olive green, shading from yellow to white along the belly. The [[wikt:flank|flank]] is marked with short, light bar-like spots and a few to many dark spots on the fins. Sometimes, the fins are reddish. Younger pike have yellow stripes along a green body; later, the stripes divide into light spots and the body turns from green to olive green. The lower half of the [[Operculum (fish)|gill cover]] lacks scales, and it has large sensory [[Canal pore|pores]] on its [[head]] and on the underside of its lower [[jaw]] which are part of the [[lateral line]] system. Unlike the similar-looking and closely related [[muskellunge]], the northern pike has light markings on a dark body background and fewer than six sensory pores on the underside of each side of the lower jaw.

A hybrid between northern pike and muskellunge is known as a [[tiger muskellunge]] (''Esox masquinongy × lucius'' or ''Esox lucius × masquinongy'',<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gen.umn.edu/research/fish/fishes/tiger_muskie.html|title=Tiger muskie|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080807195946/http://www.gen.umn.edu/research/fish/fishes/tiger_muskie.html|archive-date=7 August 2008|website= University of Minnesota|access-date=6 October 2020}}</ref> depending on the sex of each of the contributing species). In the hybrids, the males are invariably sterile, while females are often fertile, and may back-cross with the parent species.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://nas.er.usgs.gov/queries/FactSheet.asp?speciesID=677 |title=Tiger muskellunge (''Esox lucius'' x E. masquinongy) – FactSheet |publisher=Nas.er.usgs.gov |access-date=2 March 2011}}</ref> Another form of northern pike, the silver pike, is not a subspecies but rather a [[mutation]] that occurs in scattered populations. Silver pike, sometimes called silver muskellunge, lack the rows of spots and appear silver, white, or silvery-blue in color.<ref>Craig, John F. ed. ''Pike: Biology and Exploitation''. Chapman & Hall, London. 1996 pp. 1</ref> When ill, silver pike have been known to display a somewhat purplish hue; long illness is also the most common cause of male sterility.

In [[Italy]], the newly identified species ''[[Esox cisalpinus]]'' ("southern pike") was long thought to be a color variation of the northern pike, but was in 2011 announced to be a species of its own.<ref>{{cite journal|title=Molecular and Phenotypic Evidence of a New Species of Genus Esox (Esocidae, Esociformes, Actinopterygii): The Southern Pike, ''Esox flaviae'' |journal=PLOS ONE |volume=6 |issue=12 |pages=e25218 |doi=10.1371/journal.pone.0025218 |pmid=22164201 |pmc=3229480 |year = 2011|last1 = Lucentini|first1 = Livia|last2=Puletti |first2=Maria Elena |last3=Ricciolini |first3=Claudia |last4=Gigliarelli |first4=Lilia |last5=Fontaneto |first5=Diego |last6=Lanfaloni |first6=Luisa |last7=Bilò |first7=Fabiana |last8=Natali |first8=Mauro |last9=Panara |first9=Fausto |bibcode=2011PLoSO...625218L |doi-access=free }}</ref>

===Length and weight===
Northern pike in [[North America]] seldom reach the size of their European counterparts; one of the largest specimens known was a {{convert|21|kg|lb|abbr=on}} specimen from New York. It was caught in [[Great Sacandaga Lake]] on 15 September 1940 by Peter Dubuc. Reports of far larger pike have been made, but these are either misidentifications of the pike's larger relative, the [[muskellunge]], or simply have not been properly documented and belong in the realm of legend.

[[File:northern pike weight length graph.jpg|thumb]]
As northern pike grow longer, they increase in weight, and the relationship between length and weight is not linear. The relationship between total length (''L'', in inches) and total weight (''W'', in pounds) for nearly all species of fish can be expressed by an [[Standard weight in fish|equation]] of the form
:<math>W = c L^b.</math>

Invariably, ''b'' is close to 3.0 for all species, and ''c'' is a constant that varies among species. For northern pike, ''b'' = 3.096 and ''c'' = 0.000180 (''c'' = 7.089 enables one to put length in meters and weight in kilograms).<ref>Anderson, R. O. and Neumann, R. M. (1996) "Length, Weight, and Associated Structural Indices", in ''Fisheries Techniques'', 2nd edition, B. E. Murphy and D. W. Willis, eds., American Fisheries Society. {{ISBN|978-1-934874-29-5}}</ref> The relationship described in this section suggests a {{convert|20|in|cm|round=5|adj=on|order=flip}} northern pike will weigh about {{convert|2|lb|1|abbr=on|order=flip}}, while a {{convert|26|in|cm|round=5|adj=on|order=flip}} northern pike will weigh about {{convert|4|lb|abbr=on|order=flip}}.

===Age===
Northern Pike typically live to 10–15 years, but sometimes up to 25 years.<ref>[https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/enjoy-the-waterways/fishing/fish-species/pike Pike Fish]. Canal & River Trust, UK</ref>

==Habitat==
[[File:Hecht im Sundhäuser See.jpg|thumb|A pike in its natural habitat in Germany]]

Pike are found in sluggish streams and shallow, weedy places in lakes and reservoirs, as well as in cold, clear, rocky waters. They are typical [[ambush predator]]s; they lie in wait for prey, holding perfectly still for long periods, and then exhibit remarkable acceleration as they strike. They inhabit any water body that contains fish, but suitable places for spawning are also essential. Because of their cannibalistic nature, young pike need places where they can take shelter between plants so they are not eaten. In both cases, rich submerged vegetation is needed. Pike are seldom found in brackish water, except for the [[Baltic Sea]] area, here they can be found spending time both in the mouths of rivers and in the open brackish waters of the Baltic Sea. It is normal for pike to return to fresh water after a period in these brackish waters.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://globalflyfisher.com/global-reports/salty-pike|title=Salty pike|access-date=12 November 2018}}</ref> They seem to prefer water with less [[turbidity]], but that is likely related to their dependence on the presence of vegetation.{{citation needed|date=April 2016}}

===Geographic distribution===
[[File:Haukipudas.vaakuna.svg|thumb|upright=0.7|Three northern pikes pictured in the coat of arms of [[Haukipudas]], a former municipality of [[North Ostrobothnia]], [[Finland]]]]
''Esox lucius'' is found in fresh water throughout the Northern Hemisphere, including [[Russia]], [[Europe]], and [[North America]]. It has also been introduced to lakes in [[Morocco]], and is even found in brackish water of the [[Baltic Sea]], but they are confined to the low-salinity water at the surface of the sea, and are seldom seen in brackish water elsewhere.{{Citation needed|date=May 2011}}

Within North America, northern pike populations are found in [[Maine]], [[New Hampshire]], [[Vermont]], [[Massachusetts]], [[Rhode Island]], [[Connecticut]], [[New York (state)|New York]], [[New Jersey]], [[Pennsylvania]], [[Maryland]], [[West Virginia]], [[Ohio]], [[Michigan]], [[Indiana]], [[Illinois]], [[Wisconsin]], [[Minnesota]], [[Iowa]], [[Missouri]], [[North Dakota]], [[South Dakota]], [[Nebraska]], [[Kansas]], [[Montana]], [[Idaho]], [[Utah]], [[Colorado]], [[Oklahoma]], northern [[Texas]], northern [[New Mexico]], northern [[Arizona]], [[Alaska]], the [[Yukon]], the [[Northwest Territories]], [[Alberta]], [[Saskatchewan]], [[Manitoba]], [[Ontario]], and [[Québec]] (pike are rare in [[British Columbia]] and east coast provinces). Watersheds in which pike are found include the [[Ohio River|Ohio Valley]], the [[upper Mississippi River]] and its tributaries, and the [[Great Lakes Basin]]. They are also stocked in, or have been introduced to, some western lakes and reservoirs for sport fishing, although some fisheries managers believe this practice often threatens other species of fish such as [[Bass (fish)|bass]], [[trout]], and [[salmon]], causing government agencies to attempt to exterminate the pike by poisoning lakes, such as [[Stormy Lake, Alaska]].<ref>{{cite news
 | last = Young
 | first = Samantha
 | title = Calif. Aims to Rid Lake of Northern Pike
 | agency = Associated Press
 | date = 26 September 2007
 | url = http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/P/PIKE_POISONING
 | access-date = 27 September 2007 }}</ref> ''E. lucius'' is a severe [[invasive species|invasive]] predator in [[Box Canyon Dam (Washington)|Box Canyon Reservoir]] on the [[Pend Oreille River]] in northeastern [[Washington (state)|Washington]].<ref name="WDF" />

==Behaviour==

===Aggression===
The northern pike is a relatively aggressive species, especially with regard to feeding. For example, when food sources are scarce, [[Cannibalism (zoology)|cannibalism]] develops, starting around five weeks in a small percentage of populations.<ref name="onlinelibrary.wiley.com">{{cite journal | last1 = Giles | first1 = N. | last2 = Wright | first2 = R. M. | last3 = Nord | first3 = M. E. | year = 1986 | title = Cannibalism in pike fry, ''Esox lucius'' L.: some experiments with fry densities | journal = Journal of Fish Biology | volume = 29 | issue = 1 | pages = 107–113 | doi = 10.1111/j.1095-8649.1986.tb04930.x | bibcode = 1986JFBio..29..107G }}</ref> This cannibalism occurs when the ratio of predator to prey is two to one.<ref name="onlinelibrary.wiley.com"/> One can expect this because when food is scarce, Northern pike fight for survival, such as turning on smaller pike to feed; this is seen in other species such as [[tiger salamander]]s. Usually, pike tend to feed on smaller fish, such as the [[banded killifish]]. However, when pike exceed {{convert|700|mm|in|abbr=on}} long, they feed on larger fish.<ref name="Mann, R. H. K. 1976">{{cite journal| last1 = Mann | first1 = R. H. K. | year = 1976 | title = Observations on the age, growth, reproduction and food of the pike ''Esox lucius'' (L.) in two rivers in southern England | journal = Journal of Fish Biology | volume = 8 | issue = 2| pages = 179–197 | doi = 10.1111/j.1095-8649.1976.tb03930.x| bibcode = 1976JFBio...8..179M }}</ref>

Because of cannibalism when food is short, pike suffer a fairly high young mortality rate.<ref name="jstor.org">{{cite journal| first=R. H. K.| last=Mann| title=The Annual Food Consumption and Prey Preferences of Pike (''Esox lucius'') in the River Frome, Dorset| journal=Journal of Animal Ecology| volume=51| issue=1| date=February 1982| pages=81–95| jstor=4312| doi=10.2307/4312| bibcode=1982JAnEc..51...81M}}</ref> Cannibalism is more prevalent in cool summers, as the upcoming pike have slow growth rates in that season and might not be able to reach a size to deter the larger pike. Cannibalism is likely to arise in low growth and low food conditions.<ref name="jstor.org"/> Pike do not discriminate siblings well,{{citation needed|date=July 2018}} so cannibalism between siblings is likely.

Aggression also arises from a need for space.<ref name="Reproduction, Early Life 1967 pp. 651-693">{{cite journal| title=A Study of Reproduction, Early Life, Weight-Length Relationship and Growth of Pike, ''Esox lucius'' L., in Windermere| first1=Winifred E.| last1=Frost |first2=Charlotte |last2=Kipling| author-link2=Charlotte Kipling| journal=Journal of Animal Ecology| volume=36| issue=3| date=October 1967| pages=651–693| jstor=2820| doi=10.2307/2820| bibcode=1967JAnEc..36..651F}}</ref> Young pike tend to have their food stolen by larger pike.<ref name="Reproduction, Early Life 1967 pp. 651-693"/> Pike are aggressive if not given enough space because they are territorial.<ref name="sciencedirect.com">{{cite journal| first=Peter| last=Eklov| title=Group foraging versus solitary foraging efficiency in piscivorous predators: The perch, ''Perca fluviatilis'', and pike, ''Esox lucius'', patterns| journal=Animal Behaviour| date=August 1992| pages=313–326| volume=44| issue=2| doi=10.1016/0003-3472(92)90037-a| s2cid=53196955}}</ref> They use a form of foraging known as ambush foraging. Unlike species such as [[perch]], pike undergo bursts of energy instead of actively chasing down prey. As such, a fair amount of inactive time occurs until they find prey. Hunting efficiency decreases with competition;<ref name="sciencedirect.com"/> the larger the pike, the larger the area controlled by that particular pike. An inverse relation to vegetation density and pike size exists, which is due to the possibility of cannibalism from the largest pike.<ref name="nrcresearchpress.com">{{cite journal| first=P.| last=Eklov| title=Effects of Habitat complexity and prey abundance on the spatial and temporal distributions of perch and pike| date=9 April 2011| journal=Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences| volume=54| issue=7| pages=1520–1531| doi=10.1139/f97-059| url=http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:uu:diva-88671}}</ref> This makes sense, as the smaller pike need more vegetation to avoid being eaten. Large pike do not have this worry and can afford the advantage of a large line of sight. They prefer a tree structure habitat.<ref name="nrcresearchpress.com"/>

There has been at least one instance of a pike attacking a dog.<ref>Dan Bross, [https://alaskapublic.org/2022/10/21/programmed-to-eat-northern-pike-mauls-husky-at-north-pole-gravel-pit ‘Programmed to eat’: Northern pike mauls husky at North Pole gravel pit]. ''Alaska Public Media'', 21 October 2022, Retrieved 26 October 2022</ref>

Pike are occasionally preyed upon by otters.<ref>Mark Cocker, [https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2013/may/12/claxton-norfolk-pike-huge-otter 'The pike was huge, but not huge enough to fight off an otter']. ''The Guardian'', 12 May 2013. Retrieved 2 May 2022</ref>

===Physical behavioural traits===
Pike are capable of "fast start" movements, which are sudden high-energy bursts of unsteady swimming.<ref name="jeb.biologists.org">{{cite journal| first1=David G.| last1=Harper| first2=Robert W.| last2=Blake| title=Fast-Start Performance of Rainbow Trout ''Salmo gairdneri'' and Northern Pike ''Esox lucius''| date=9 January 1990| journal=The Journal of Experimental Biology| volume=150| issue=1| pages=321–342| doi=10.1242/jeb.150.1.321| url=http://jeb.biologists.org/content/150/1/321.short}}</ref> Many other fish exhibit this movement as well. Most fish use this mechanism to avoid life-threatening situations. For the pike, however, it is a tool used to capture prey from their sedentary positions. They flash out in such bursts and capture their prey. These fast starts terminate when the pike has reached maximum velocity.<ref name="jeb.biologists.org"/> During such motions, pike make "S" conformations while swimming at high rates. To decelerate, they, simply make a "C" conformation, exponentially slowing down their speed so that they can "stop".<ref name="jeb.biologists.org"/> An interesting behavioural trait that pike have is that they have short digestion times and long feeding periods.<ref name="Mann, R. H. K. 1976"/> They can undergo many of these fast bursts to collect as much prey as they can. Pike are least active during the night.<ref name="sciencedirect.com"/>

===Reproduction===
Pike have a strong [[homing (biology)|homing]] behaviour;<ref name="nrcresearchpress.com"/> they inhabit certain areas by nature. During the summer, they tend to group closer to vegetation than during the winter.<ref name="Jepsen, N. 2001">{{cite journal | last1 = Jepsen | first1 = N. | last2 = Beck | first2 = S. | last3 = Skov | first3 = C. | last4 = Koed | first4 = A. | year = 2001 | title = Behavior of pike (''Esox lucius'' L.) > 50 cm in a turbid reservoir and in a clearwater lake | journal = Ecology of Freshwater Fish | volume = 10 | issue = 1 | pages = 26–34 | doi = 10.1034/j.1600-0633.2001.100104.x | bibcode = 2001EcoFF..10...26J }}</ref> The exact reason is not clear, but likely is a result of foraging or possibly reproductive needs to safeguard young. Pike [[Diel vertical migration|diel]] rhythm changes significantly over the year.<ref name="Jepsen, N. 2001"/> On sunny days, pike stay closer to the shallow shore. On windy days, they are further from shore.<ref name="Chapman, C. A 1984">{{cite journal | last1 = Chapman | first1 = C. A. | last2 = Mackay | first2 = W. C. | year = 1984 | title = Versatility in habitat use by a top aquatic predator, ''Esox lucius'' L | journal = Journal of Fish Biology | volume = 25 | issue = 1 | pages = 109–115 | doi = 10.1111/j.1095-8649.1984.tb04855.x | bibcode = 1984JFBio..25..109C }}</ref> When close to the shore, pike have a preference for shallow, vegetated areas.<ref name="Chapman, C. A 1984"/> Pike are more stationary in reservoirs than lakes.<ref name="Jepsen, N. 2001"/> A possibility is that lakes have more prey to feed upon, or possibly in reservoirs prey will ultimately cross paths with the pike. As such, this could be a form of energy conservation. Pike breed in the spring.<ref name="Reproduction, Early Life 1967 pp. 651-693"/>

Pike are physically capable of [[breeding in the wild|breeding]] at an age of about two years, [[Spawn (biology)|spawning]] in spring when the water temperature first reaches about {{convert|9|C|F}}. They have a tendency to lay a large number of eggs.<ref name="Reproduction, Early Life 1967 pp. 651-693"/> A likely explanation for such actions is to produce as many surviving offspring as possible, as many most likely die early in life. In females, the [[gonad]]s enlarge when it is time to shed her eggs.<ref name="Reproduction, Early Life 1967 pp. 651-693"/> However, after they are shed, these eggs will not hatch if the water is below {{convert|6|C|F}}.<ref name="Reproduction, Early Life 1967 pp. 651-693"/> Male pike arrive at the breeding grounds before females do, preceding them by a few weeks. In addition, the males stay after the spawning is finished.<ref name="Reproduction, Early Life 1967 pp. 651-693"/> Parental stock is vital for pike success.<ref name="Craig, J. F 1983">{{cite journal | last1 = Craig | first1 = J. F. | last2 = Kipling | first2 = C. | year = 1983 | title = Reproduction effort versus the environment; case histories of Windermere perch, ''Perca fluviatilis'' L., and pike, ''Esox lucius'' L | journal = Journal of Fish Biology | volume = 22 | issue = 6| pages = 713–727 | doi = 10.1111/j.1095-8649.1983.tb04231.x| bibcode = 1983JFBio..22..713C }}</ref> Egg survival has been shown to be positively correlated with number of eggs laid.<ref name="Craig, J. F 1983"/> For breeding, the more stable the water, the greater the fitness of the pike.<ref name="ReferenceA">{{Cite journal | doi=10.1577/1548-8659(1963)92[91:ELHOTN]2.0.CO;2| year=1963| volume=92| page=91| title=Early Life History of the Northern Pike, ''Esox lucius'' L., with Special Reference to the Factors Influencing the Numerical Strength of Year Classes| last1=Franklin| first1=Donald R.| last2=Smith| first2=Lloyd L.| journal=Transactions of the American Fisheries Society| issue=2}}</ref> Mortality results from toxic concentrations of iron or rapid temperature changes,<ref name="ReferenceA"/> and adult abundance and the strength of the resulting year classes are not related. It is based upon two points of development: one during embryo stage between fertilization and closure of the [[blastopore]], and the second between hatching and the termination of the [[alevin]] stage.<ref name="ReferenceA"/>
 
The colour of the sticky eggs is yellow to orange; the diameter is {{convert|2.5|to|3|mm|abbr=on}}. The embryos are {{convert|7.5|to|10|mm|abbr=on}} in length and able to swim after hatching, but stay on the bottom for some time. The embryonic stage is five to 16 days, dependent on water temperature (at {{convert|19|C|F}} and {{convert|10|C|F}}, respectively). Under natural circumstances, the survival from [[Fish larva|free-swimming larva]] to 75-mm pike is around 5%.{{citation needed|date=April 2016}}

==Food==
[[File:NorthernPike.jpg|thumb|Northern pike often rest near the bottom waiting for prey]]

The young, free-swimming pike feed on small invertebrates starting with ''[[Daphnia]]'', and quickly move on to bigger prey, such as ''[[Asellus]]'' and ''[[Gammarus]]''. When the body length is {{convert|4|to|8|cm|abbr=on}}, they start feeding on small fish.

A pike has a very typical hunting behaviour; it is able to remain stationary in the water by moving the last fin rays of the [[dorsal fin]]s and the [[pectoral fin]]s. Before striking, it bends its body and darts out to the prey using the large surface of its [[caudal fin]], dorsal fin, and [[anal fin]] to propel itself. The fish has a distinctive habit of catching its prey sideways in the mouth, immobilising it with its sharp, backward-pointing teeth, and then turning the prey headfirst to swallow it. It eats mainly fish and frogs, but also small [[mammal]]s and [[bird]]s fall prey to pike. Young pike have been found dead from choking on a pike of a similar size, an observation referred to by the English poet [[Ted Hughes]] in his poem "Pike".<ref>[http://www.poetryarchive.org/poetryarchive/singlePoem.do?poemId=7079 "Pike"] by Ted Hughes. Poem text and audio: Hughes talks about his poem then reads it aloud. PoetryArchive.org. Retrieved 13 August 2010.</ref> Northern pike also feed on [[insect]]s, [[crayfish]], and [[leech]]es.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Esox_lucius/|title = Esox lucius (American pike)| website=[[Animal Diversity Web]] }}</ref> They are not very particular and eat spiny fish like [[perch]], and will even take fish as small as [[stickleback]]s if they are the only available prey.

Pike are known to occasionally hunt and consume larger [[water bird]]s, such as an incident in 2016 when an individual was observed trying to drown and eat a [[great crested grebe]],<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.wideopenspaces.com/hungry-pike-bites-off-can-chew-chokes-bird/|title=Hungry Pike Bites Off More Than It Can Chew, Chokes on Bird|last1=Smola|first1=Travis|date=4 March 2016|website=Wide Open Spaces|access-date=3 February 2020}}</ref> an incident in which a pike choked to death after killing and attempting to eat a [[tufted duck]],<ref>{{Cite web |title=Duck kills giant pike - Practical Fishkeeping |url=https://www.practicalfishkeeping.co.uk/fishkeeping-news/duck-kills-giant-pike/ |access-date=2024-05-07 |website=www.practicalfishkeeping.co.uk}}</ref> as well as an incident in 2015 where an attack by a large pike between three and four feet long was implicated as a possible cause for the injury and death of an adult [[mute swan]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://fermanaghherald.com/2015/08/could-castle-archdale-swan-been-killed-by-pike/|title=Could Castle Archdale swan have been killed by a pike?|date=15 August 2015|website=The Fermanagh Herald|access-date=3 February 2020}}</ref> on Lower [[Lough Erne]], [[Northern Ireland]], but it is generally believed that such attacks are only rare occurrences.

The northern pike is a largely solitary [[Predatory fish|predator]]. It [[Fish migration|migrates]] during a spawning season, and it follows [[prey fish]] like [[common roach]]es to their deeper winter quarters. Sometimes, divers observe groups of similar-sized pike that cooperate some to start hunting at the same time, so "wolfpack" theories are given. Large pike can be caught on dead immobile fish, so these pike are thought to move about in a rather large territory to find food. Large pike are also known to cruise large water bodies at a few metres deep, probably pursuing schools of prey fish. Smaller pike are more of ambush predators, probably because of their vulnerability to cannibalism. Pike are often found near the exit of [[culvert]]s, which can be attributed to the presence of schools of prey fish and the opportunity for ambush. Being [[potamodromous]], all [[esocid]]s tend to display limited migration, although some local movement may be of key significance for population dynamics. In the Baltic, they are known to follow [[herring]] [[Shoaling and schooling|schools]], so have some seasonal migration.

==Importance to humans==
[[File:Northern pike caught on a lure in lake Finzula, Croatia.jpg|thumb|''E. lucius'' caught by an angler using a lure in lake Finzula, [[Croatia]]]]
Although it is generally known as a "sporting" quarry, some [[Angling|anglers]] release pike they have caught because the flesh is considered bony, especially due to the substantial (epipleural) "Y-bones". The white and mild-tasting flesh of pikes nonetheless has a long and distinguished history in cuisine and is popular fare in Europe and parts of North America. Among fishing communities where pike is popular fare, the ability of a filleter to effectively remove the bones from the fillets while minimizing the amount of flesh lost in the process (known as "de-boning") is a highly valued skill. There are methods for filleting pike and leaving the "y-bones" in the fish's body; this does leave some flesh on the fish but avoids the sometimes difficult process of "de-boning". Larger fish are more easily filleted (and much easier to de-bone), while smaller ones are often processed as [[forcemeat]] to eliminate their many small bones, and then used in preparations such as [[quenelle]]s and fish [[mousse]]s. Historical references to cooking pike go as far back as the [[Ancient Rome|Romans]]. Fishing for pike is said to be very exciting with their aggressive hits and aerial acrobatics. Pike are among the largest North American freshwater game fish.

Because of their prolific and predatory nature, laws have been enacted in some places to help stop the spread of northern pike outside of their native range. For instance, in [[California]], anglers are required by law to remove the head from a pike once it has been caught.<ref>{{cite book|publisher=State of California|url=https://nrm.dfg.ca.gov/FileHandler.ashx?DocumentID=76652|page=21|chapter=Chapter 2. Statewide Regulations for Fishing and Frogging in Inland Waters Provisions and Definitions|title=Sport Fishing Regulations|year=2015}}</ref> In [[Alaska]], pike are native north and west of the [[Alaska Range]], but have been illegally introduced to south-central Alaska by game fishermen. In south-central Alaska, no limit is imposed in most areas. Pike are seen as a threat to native wild stocks of [[Oncorhynchus|salmon]] by some fishery managers.

Notably in Britain and Ireland, pike are greatly admired as a sporting fish and they are returned alive to the water to safeguard future sport and maintain the balance of a fishery. The Pike Anglers Club has campaigned to preserve pike since 1977, arguing that the removal of pike from waters can lead to an explosion of smaller fish, and to ensure pike removal stops, which is damaging to both the sport fishery and the environment.<ref name="PAC">{{cite web| url=http://www.pacgb.co.uk/aboutpac/intro.html |title=What the PAC is All About |publisher=Pacgb.co.uk |access-date=2 March 2011}}</ref>

===Sport fishing===
[[File:20111204 Ringovenstrand Snoek.2 Jan edit1.JPG|thumb|left|Northern pike caught with a [[fishing lure]] in [[Belgium]]]]
{{fly fishing targets}}
Pike angling is becoming an increasingly popular pastime in Europe. Effective methods for catching include dead baits, lure fishing, and jerk baiting. They are prized as [[game fish]] for their large size and aggressive nature.

Lake fishing for pike from the shore is especially effective during spring, when the big pike move into the shallows to [[Spawn (biology)|spawn]] in weedy areas, and later many remain there to feed on other spawning [[coarse fish]] species to regain their condition after spawning. Smaller jack pike often remain in the shallows for their own protection, and for the small fish food available there. For the hot summer and during inactive phases, the larger female pike tend to retire to deeper water and/or places with better cover. This gives the boat angler good fishing during the summer and winter seasons. [[Trolling (fishing)|Trolling]] (towing a fairy or bait behind a moving boat) is a popular technique.

The use of [[float tube]]s is another method of fishing for pike on small to medium-sized still waters.<ref>[http://www.fishontario.com/articles/FlyFishing/index.cfm?ID=87&FN=20081412125125_FlyFishing Float-tube pike]. fishontario.com {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090303100318/http://www.fishontario.com/articles/FlyFishing/index.cfm?ID=87&FN=20081412125125_FlyFishing |date=3 March 2009 }}</ref> [[Fly fishing]] for pike is another eligible way of catching these fish, and the float tube is now recognized as an especially suitable water craft for pike fly-fishing. Also they have been caught this way by using patterns that imitate small fry or invertebrates.

In recent decades, more pike are released back to the water after catching ([[catch and release]]), but they can easily be damaged when handled. Handling those fish with dry hands can easily damage their mucus-covered skin and possibly lead to their deaths from infections.

Since they have very sharp and numerous teeth, care is required in unhooking a pike. Barbless trebles are recommended when angling for this species, as they simplify unhooking. This is undertaken using long [[forceps]], with 30-cm artery clamps the ideal tool. When holding the pike from below on the lower jaw, it will open its mouth. It should be kept out of the water for the minimum amount of time possible, and should be given extra time to recover if being weighed and photographed before release. It's also recommended that anglers use an unhooking mat to prevent it from harm.<ref>{{Cite web |date=29 September 2023 |title=How To Hold A Pike |url=https://predatorfishingworld.com/how-to-hold-a-pike-without-getting-bitten/ |website=Predator Fishing World}}</ref> If practicing live release, calling the fish "caught" when it is alongside a boat is recommended. Remove the hook by grabbing it with needle-nosed pliers while the fish is still submerged and giving it a flip in the direction that turns the hook out of the mouth. This avoids damage to the fish and the stress of being out of water.

In Finland, catching a ''kymppihauki'', a pike weighing at least {{convert|10|kg|abbr=on}}, is considered the qualification as a master fisherman.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://docplayer.fi/18160329-Oppia-suurhauen-saamiseksi.html|title=Oppia suurhauen. saamiseksi|website=docplayer.fi|access-date=21 December 2016}}</ref>

Many countries have banned the use of live fish for bait, but pike can be caught with dead fish, which they locate by smell. For this technique, fat marine fish like [[herring]], [[sardine]]s and [[mackerel]] are often used. Compared to other fish like the [[eel]], the pike does not have a good sense of smell{{Citation needed|date=November 2023}}, but it is still more than adequate to find the [[baitfish]]. Baitfish can be used as [[groundbait]], but also below a float carried by the wind. This method is often used in wintertime and best done in lakes near schools of preyfish or at the deeper parts of shallow water bodies, where pike and preyfish tend to gather in great numbers.

Pike make use of the [[lateral line]] system to follow the [[vortex|vortices]] produced by the perceived prey, and the whirling movement of the [[spinnerbait|spinner]] is probably a good way to imitate or exaggerate these. [[Fishing lure|Jerkbaits]] are also effective and can produce spectacular bites with pike attacking these erratic-moving lures at full speed. For trolling, big [[Plug (fishing)|plugs]] or [[Fishing lure|softbaits]] can be used. [[Spoon lure|Spoons]] with mirror finishes are very effective when the sun is at a sharp angle to the water in the mornings or evenings because they generate the vibrations previously discussed and cause a glint of reflective sunlight that mimics the flash of white-bellied prey.{{Citation needed|date=November 2023}}

When fishing in shallow water for smaller pike, lighter and smaller lures are frequently used. The humble 'woolly bugger' fly is a favourite lure among keen fly fisherman of the southern hemisphere. Fly fishing for pike is an established aspect of the sport and there are now numerous dedicated products to use specifically to target these fish.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.sportfish.co.uk/blog/2015/09/16/tom-davids-guide-to-fly-fishing-for-pike/|title=Fly Fishing for Pike Advice Guide|date=16 September 2015|work=The Sportfish Post|access-date=12 November 2018}}</ref>

===In mythology===
In the Finnish epic poetry ''[[Kalevala]]'', wise [[demigod]] [[Väinämöinen]] creates a magical [[kantele]] (string instrument) from the jawbone of a giant pike.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.bopsecrets.org/gateway/passages/kalevala.htm|title=The Kalevala (three different translations of a passage)|website=www.bopsecrets.org}}</ref>

==See also==
*[[Northern snakehead]]

==References==
{{Reflist|refs=
<ref name="WDF">{{cite web | author=The Washington Department of Fish | title=Funding needed to keep aquatic invasive species out of Washington's waters | website=[[Medium (website)|Medium]] | date=2020-12-24 | url=http://wdfw.medium.com/funding-needed-to-keep-aquatic-invasive-species-out-of-washingtons-waters-ca8ae02b3ab5 | access-date=2020-12-29}}</ref>
}}

==Further reading==
* {{ITIS |id=162139 |taxon=Esox lucius |access-date=8 December 2004}}
* {{FishBase|genus=Esox|species=lucius|year=2004|month=October}}
* Broughton, Bruno. [http://www.anglers-net.co.uk/authors/bruno01.htm "A Review of the Scientific Basis for Pike Culls"]. N.p., 2000.
* Craig, John F. ed. ''Pike: Biology and Exploitation.'' Chapman & Hall, London. 1996 pp.&nbsp;1.
* Eddy S, Surber T. ''Northern Game Fishes'' Univ. of Michigan Press, 1943.
* La Monte Fancesca. ''North American Game Fishes'' Doubleday & Company, Inc. 1950 pp.&nbsp;126.
* Weed Alfred C. ''Pike, Pickerel, and Muskellunge.'' Field Museum of Natural History, Chicago, Dept. of Zoology, Leaflet No. 9, 52 pp., 8 plates.

==External links==
{{Commons|Esox lucius}}
{{Wikispecies|Esox lucius}}
* [http://www.state.nj.us/dep/fgw/pdf/fishfact/tigermsk.pdf New Jersey fact sheet on tiger musky]
* [https://nas.er.usgs.gov/queries/FactSheet.asp?speciesID=677 NAS – USGS fact sheet on tiger musky]
* {{FishBase|genus=Esox|species=lucius|month=7|year=2009}}

{{Taxonbar|from=Q165278}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Esox|northern pike]]
[[Category:Cold water fish]]
[[Category:Fauna of the Plains-Midwest (United States)]]
[[Category:Freshwater fish of North America]]
[[Category:Freshwater fish of the Arctic]]
[[Category:Freshwater fish of Asia]]
[[Category:Freshwater fish of Europe]]
[[Category:Fish of the Baltic Sea]]
[[Category:Fish of the Caspian Sea]]
[[Category:Fish of the Great Lakes]]
[[Category:Fish of the Pacific Ocean]]
[[Category:Freshwater fish of Japan]]
[[Category:Freshwater fish of the United States]]
[[Category:Fish of Canada]]
[[Category:Freshwater fish of China]]
[[Category:Fish of Russia]]
[[Category:Fauna of the Holarctic realm]]
[[Category:Fish described in 1758|northern pike]]
[[Category:Taxa named by Carl Linnaeus|Northern pike]]