Northern pike are formidable freshwater predators, widely recognized across the northern hemisphere for their elongated bodies and sharp teeth. These fish occupy a significant position within their aquatic ecosystems, often acting as apex predators in many of their habitats. Understanding their place in the food web also requires an examination of the organisms that prey upon them, highlighting that even a top predator can become prey at various stages of its life.
Predators of Pike Eggs and Fry
Northern pike begin their lives as vulnerable eggs and then as tiny fry, making them susceptible to a wide array of predators. Pike eggs, often laid in shallow, vegetated areas, lack mobility and are a readily available food source for many aquatic inhabitants. Aquatic insects, such as dragonfly and diving beetle larvae, consume these developing eggs. Small fish species, including minnows and other bottom-dwelling fish, also feed on pike eggs.
Once the eggs hatch into fry, their small size and limited swimming ability continue to make them easy targets. Newly hatched pike fry, typically only a few millimeters long, are consumed by a diverse group of aquatic invertebrates. This includes copepods and cladocerans, which are zooplankton, as well as the larval stages of various insects. Some small amphibians, such as salamander larvae, may also prey on pike fry.
Predators of Juvenile Pike
As northern pike grow from fry into juveniles, they gain some size and speed, but remain vulnerable to a different set of predators. Juvenile pike, ranging from a few inches to over a foot in length, become a more substantial meal for larger aquatic and avian predators. Larger fish species, such as walleye, bass, and even larger northern pike, prey on these juveniles. Cannibalism is common among pike, where larger individuals consume smaller ones, particularly in dense populations or when food is scarce.
Birds like great blue herons and ospreys frequently hunt juvenile pike from above. Herons wade in shallow waters, ambushing fish, while ospreys dive from the air to snatch fish from the surface. Kingfishers, though typically targeting smaller fish, might also take juveniles. Aquatic mammals, including river otters and mink, prey on juvenile pike.
Predators of Adult Pike
Adult northern pike, due to their impressive size, speed, and predatory nature, have significantly fewer natural predators compared to their younger counterparts. However, larger animals can still prey upon them. Predatory fish, such as muskellunge and lake trout, take adult pike, especially if the pike are smaller or weakened. Cannibalism remains a factor even at the adult stage, with large pike consuming smaller adult individuals, especially during periods of limited food availability.
Large birds of prey, particularly bald eagles, target adult pike, especially those in the smaller to medium adult size range or those that are sick or injured. Eagles can spot fish from high above and snatch them from the water’s surface. Ospreys, while primarily fishing for slightly smaller prey, may catch smaller adult pike.
Terrestrial mammals, such as bears, prey on pike when the fish are in shallow waters or during spawning runs, making them accessible from the shore. Larger otters may take adult pike. Wolves have been observed preying on fish, including pike, particularly when other food sources are scarce or during winter when fish might be trapped under ice or in shallow, accessible areas.