The Northern Pike is a freshwater fish known for its distinctive, predatory appearance. This guide provides a detailed description of the Northern Pike’s physical characteristics, unique markings, and how to differentiate it from similar species.
General Physical Traits
The Northern Pike possesses an elongated, torpedo-shaped body, often described as “snake-like,” enabling swift bursts of speed for ambushing prey. Adult Northern Pike typically range from 16 to 22 inches (40-55 cm) in length, though some specimens reach up to 59 inches (150 cm) and weigh over 60 pounds (28 kg). Average adult weights usually fall between 2 to 5 pounds.
Their coloration provides effective camouflage within aquatic vegetation, generally featuring a dark green to olive green back that gradually lightens to a white or cream-colored belly. The flanks are marked with numerous light, bean-shaped or oblong spots arranged in horizontal rows. These spots may appear yellowish and can vary in size and shape. The fins, particularly the caudal, pectoral, and pelvic fins, often display orange-yellow or reddish hues, sometimes with darker spots or streaks.
A lateral line runs along each side of the Northern Pike’s body, extending from its head to its tail. This sensory organ system allows the fish to detect subtle movements and pressure changes in the water. The lateral line, along with sensory pores on its head and lower jaw, aids the pike in locating prey, even in low visibility conditions.
Unique Identifying Marks
The head of a Northern Pike is large and flattened, characterized by a duck-bill shaped snout. Its mouth is armed with sharp, needle-like teeth, some reaching up to an inch, lining the lower jaw, roof of the mouth, and tongue. These teeth are angled backward, ensuring prey cannot easily escape. The eyes are gold-colored and positioned high on the head, reflecting its visual predatory nature.
The fin arrangement is a key identifier for the Northern Pike. It possesses a single dorsal fin and a single anal fin, both positioned far back on its body, close to the caudal (tail) fin. This rearward placement of fins contributes to its ability for rapid acceleration. The caudal fin itself is forked, but the tips of its lobes are rounded.
A distinguishing feature is the scale pattern on its head. The entire cheek area of the Northern Pike is covered in scales. However, only the upper half of its gill cover is scaled, with the lower half remaining scaleless. Additionally, the underside of the Northern Pike’s lower jaw features five or fewer sensory pores on each side.
How to Tell Apart From Lookalikes
Distinguishing the Northern Pike from its relatives, the Muskellunge (Muskie) and Chain Pickerel, relies on visual differences. Northern Pike have light, bean-shaped or oblong spots on a darker body background. In contrast, Muskellunge display dark spots, bars, or blotches on a lighter background, or sometimes no markings at all. The scale pattern on the head also differs: Northern Pike have scales covering their entire cheek and the upper half of their gill cover, while Muskellunge have scales only on the upper half of both their cheek and gill cover, or a scaleless lower half on both. Northern Pike have five or fewer pores on each side of their lower jaw, whereas Muskellunge have six to nine pores per side.
When comparing Northern Pike to Chain Pickerel, the difference lies in their body markings. Chain Pickerel are named for their chain-like or reticulated pattern, which contrasts with the Northern Pike’s bean-shaped spots. Chain Pickerel possess scales covering their entire cheek and gill cover. This differs from the Northern Pike, which has scales on its entire cheek but only on the upper half of its gill cover. Chain Pickerel are much smaller, rarely exceeding 12 inches in length, while Northern Pike can grow significantly larger.