Northern PikeEsox luciusOù et quand les observer

The northern pike is a large freshwater predator native to much of Europe, northern Asia and North America. It occurs in the Danube, Rhine, Saône and Seine river systems, especially where sheltered, vegetated waters are available. Its elongated body, broad snout and sharp teeth make it well adapted to catching other fish. As an important predator, it helps shape freshwater food webs. Although globally widespread, local populations can be affected by the loss of spawning grounds, river engineering and fishing pressure.

Size

Usually 40–100 cm long; exceptionally reaches about 150 cm.

Weight

Commonly 1–10 kg; exceptionally large individuals can exceed 25 kg.

Lifespan

Often 10–15 years; some individuals reach about 25 years.

Status

Least Concern (IUCN)

Northern pike are generally solitary predators that hunt by ambush. They often remain almost motionless beside vegetation or submerged wood before making a rapid strike. Their eyes help them detect prey, while the lateral line senses nearby water movements. Activity varies with temperature, light and prey availability, and they can feed throughout the year. In early spring, adults move into shallow vegetated areas to spawn, sometimes entering flooded margins and connected backwaters. Females scatter adhesive eggs over submerged vegetation, where males fertilise them. Adults provide no parental care. Larger pike may eat smaller members of their own species.

• Its dorsal and anal fins sit close to the tail, helping power sudden bursts of acceleration.
• Backward-pointing teeth help prevent captured prey from escaping.
• Northern pike also inhabit some low-salinity coastal waters, including parts of the Baltic Sea.
• Females generally grow larger than males.

Wildlife opportunities depend on the river reach, water levels and species. River-specific viewing months have not been confirmed; general species seasons are not a local sighting forecast.

Northern pike inhabit lakes, slow-flowing rivers, backwaters and other freshwater habitats with suitable cover. In the Danube, Rhine, Saône and Seine systems, sheltered margins, side channels and floodplain waters can offer better habitat than fast, exposed channels. Aquatic plants and submerged structures provide cover for hunting and refuge for young fish. Shallow vegetated areas are especially important for spawning and early development. Access between the main river and floodplain habitats can therefore be important to local populations.

Adult northern pike feed mainly on fish, including roach, perch and other locally available species. They are opportunistic predators and may also take amphibians, crayfish and, occasionally, small waterbirds or mammals. Young pike initially eat small invertebrates before switching increasingly to fish as they grow. Prey is usually swallowed head first.

Common name

Northern Pike

Scientific name

Esox lucius

Animal group

Fish

Size

Usually 40–100 cm long; exceptionally reaches about 150 cm.

Weight

Commonly 1–10 kg; exceptionally large individuals can exceed 25 kg.

Lifespan

Often 10–15 years; some individuals reach about 25 years.

Status

Least Concern (IUCN)

Identification

Look for a long, torpedo-shaped body, a broad, flattened snout and a large mouth. The dorsal fin sits far back near the tail, opposite the anal fin. Adults are typically olive-green to grey-green with pale spots or short markings along the flanks and a lighter belly. Young fish often show more pronounced vertical barring than adults.