Pike

Pike are large carnivorous species of bony fish in the genus Esox in the family Esocidae. Pike occur in static and slowly flowing fresh-water habitats, throughout most of Europe, northern Asia, and North America.

Pike have a relatively long, streamlined, fusiform body, adapted to swimming in rapid bursts to catch their prey consisting of smaller fish (including other pike), amphibians, crayfish, small mammals, and even ducklings. The fins of pike are soft-rayed, and the dorsal and ventral fins are situated relatively far back on the body. Pike have large mouths, with the jaw joint extending far back on the head, commonly to behind the eye. The mouth is armed with numerous, needle-like teeth. Pike normally hunt by ambush—lying quietly in beds of aquatic plants or other cover until prey comes close and seizing it by a rapid strike.

The largest individuals of northern pike (Esox lucius ) are enormous animals from eastern Siberia, that weigh from 77-154 lb (35-70 kg—as much as an average human). More typically, adults of this species can weigh up to 33 lb (15 kg), but most weigh considerably less. The largest individual pikes are females, which may exceed 60 years of age.

Pike spawn in the spring in shallow water habitats. The largest females are also the most fecund, and can lay more than one million eggs.

The northern pike or jackfish (E. lucius ) is the most widespread species in this family, occurring both in northern Eurasia and North America. Other species in North America include the chain pickerel (E. niger ) and pickerel (E. americanus ) in the east, the grass pick-erel (E. verniculatus ) in the central and southern parts of the continent, and the muskellunge (E. masquinongy ) in the Great Lakes and nearby lakes, which can achieve a weight of 110 lb (50 kg). The Amur pike (E. reicherti ) occurs in parts of central Siberia.

Pike of all species are considered valuable game-fish, and are avidly sought after by sport fishers. This is especially true of the larger species, particularly the northern pike and muskellunge.

Pike

Pike are large carnivorous species of bony fish in the genus Esox in the family Esocidae. Pike occur in static and slowly flowing fresh-water habitats, throughout most of Europe , northern Asia , and North America .

Pike have a relatively long, streamlined, fusiform body, adapted to swimming in rapid bursts to catch their prey of smaller fish (including other pike), amphibians , crayfish , small mammals , and even ducklings. The fins of pike are soft-rayed, and the dorsal and ventral fins are sited relatively far back on the body. Pike have large mouths, with the jaw joint extending relatively far back on the head, commonly to behind the eye . The mouth is armed with numerous, needle-like teeth. Pike normally hunt by ambush-lying quietly in beds of aquatic plants or other cover until prey comes close, when it is seized by a rapid strike.

The largest individuals of northern pike (Esox lucius) are enormous animals from eastern Siberia, that weigh from 77-154 lb (35-70 kg—as much as an average human). More typically, adults of this species can weigh up to 33 lb (15 kg), but most weigh considerably less. The largest individual pikes are females, which may exceed 60 years of age.

Pike spawn in the spring in shallow water habitats. The largest females are also the most fecund, and can lay more than one million eggs.

The northern pike or jackfish (E. lucius) is the most widespread species in this family, occurring both in northern Eurasia and North America. Other species in North America include the chain pickerel (E. niger) and pickerel (E. americanus) of the east, the grass pickerel (E. verniculatus) of the central and southern parts of the continent , and the muskellunge (E. masquinongy) of the Great Lakes and nearby lakes, which can achieve a weight of 110 lb (50 kg). The Amur pike (E. reicherti) occurs in parts of central Siberia.

Pike of all species are considered to be valuable gamefish, and are avidly sought after by sport fishers. This is especially true of the larger species, particularly the northern pike and muskellunge.

KEY TERMS

Symbiosis

—A biological relationship between two or more organisms that is mutually beneficial. The relationship is obligate, meaning that the partners cannot successfully live apart in nature.

pike¹ / pīk/ • n. (pl. same) a long-bodied predatory freshwater fish (genus Esox, family Esocidae) with a pointed snout and large teeth, of North America and Eurasia. Its five species include the widespread northern pike (E. lucius). ∎  any fish with similar characteristics, such as the walleye.pike² • n. hist. an infantry weapon with a pointed steel or iron head on a long wooden shaft. ∎ chiefly Brit. (in names) a hill with a peaked top: Scafell pike.• v. [tr.] hist. kill or thrust (someone) through with a pike.pike³ • n. short for turnpike.PHRASES: come down the pike appear on the scene; come to notice.pike⁴ (also pike position) • n. [often as adj.] a position in diving or gymnastics in which the body is bent at the waist but the legs remain straight.

pike Predatory, freshwater fish found in e North America and parts of Europe and Asia. It has a shovel-shaped mouth and a mottled, elongated body. Length: to 137.2cm (54in); weight: to 20.9kg (46lb) Family Esocidae; genus Esox.

Pike in California and other Pacific states of the US, a name given in the 19th century to a perceived class of poor white migrants from the southern states of the US; the name comes from Pike County, Missouri, from which the first people of this kind were said to have come to California.