By Ryan Lefevre
Geographic Range
Esox lucius are native to North America and Eurasia. They are found from Labrador west to Alaska, south to Pennsylvannia, Missouri and Nebraska. In Europe they are found throughout northern and western Europe, south throughout Spain and east to Siberia.
Biogeographic Regions:
nearctic 
(native ); palearctic (native ).
Other Geographic Terms:
holarctic .
Habitat
Esox lucius are found in almost every type of freshwater, from cold deep lakes, to warm shallow ponds, to muddy rivers. Having a broad range of tolerances for water temperature, clarity and oxygen content allows E. lucius to be "one of the most adaptable freshwater species" (Steinberg, 1992, pg. 20).
Aquatic Biomes:
lakes and ponds; rivers and streams.
Physical Description
(1.1 to 3.08 lbs)
Northern pike average 46-51 cm (18-20 inches) in length. They can be identified by their single dorsal fin and light-colored spots along their dark body. They are also recognized by scales that cover their entire cheek and the upper half of their gill covers. Their close relative, the muskellunge (Esox masquinongy), have scales covering only the upper half of their cheek and gill covers. The sides of E. lucius vary from dark shades of green to olive green to brown, with 7 to 9 rows of yellowish, bean-shaped spots. The underside is white to cream-colored.
Some key physical features:
bilateral symmetry .
Reproduction
Spawning occurs in the spring.
Northern pike are considered random spawners not nest builders. Spawning occurs in the shallows when the water temperature reaches 4-7 degress Celsius (40-45 degrees Fahrenheit). Spawning lasts for 5 to 10 days after which the female leaves. Males remain in the spawning area for several weeks, but do not protect the eggs. At this stage the eggs are vulnerable to predators. The eggs that do survive hatch in about 2 weeks. With their insatiable eating habits young E. lucius grow rapidly in both length and weight. Males become sexually mature at 2-3 years-old and females at 3-4 years-old.
Key reproductive features:
fertilization (external ); oviparous .
Behavior
Esox lucius are aggressive, solitary fish. They are typically lurkers, but are able to attack quickly. Their eyes are highly movable and are able to see in practically any direction. This is extremely important in tracking their prey. Considerd "sprint predators", E. lucius hide in some type of cover, cocked in an "S" position, ready to strike.
Key behaviors:
natatorial ; motile ; solitary .
Food Habits
Esox lucius are a carnivorous fish. Equipped with sharp teeth and very complex skull and jaw structures they are predators of smaller fish, frogs, crayfish, small mammals and birds.
Animal Foods:
birds; mammals; amphibians; fish; aquatic crustaceans.
Economic Importance for Humans: Negative
There are no negative effects of northern pike on humans.
Economic Importance for Humans: Positive
Esox lucius is a prized game fish throughout its range and is a commercial food fish in eastern Europe.
Ways that people benefit from these animals:
food .
Conservation Status
IUCN Red List: [link]:
Not Evaluated.
US Federal List: [link]:
No special status.
CITES: [link]:
No special status.
State of Michigan List: [link]:
No special status.
Esox lucius is not currently threatened by extinction. The Departments of Natural Resources in states where they occur keep a close watch on population levels and can augment populations by stocking streams with Esox lucius raised in hatcheries.
For More Information
Find Esox lucius information at
Contributors
Ryan Lefevre (author), University of Michigan.
Courtney Egan (editor).
