Northern pike
Esox lucius
Summary 2
Family: Esocidae
Northern pike (Esox lucius) are a popular sport fish. Ambush hunters that lurk in vegetation, moving slowly through the water and lunging at unwary fishes that get too close. They will eat fish half their own size. Large individuals will also eat frogs, mice, ducklings, etc. Most common in lakes with lots of aquatic plants, but can sometimes be found in larger rivers where there is little current.
How to recognize: Elongate body. “Duck-billed” mouth full of sharp teeth. Pale spots scattered over a green background. Cheek completely covered by scales. Only upper half of gill cover has scales. Up to 4 feet /1.2 meters long.
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