How to Identify Northern Pike

To identify Northern Pike (Esox lucius), look at these key features.

Physical Characteristics

Body shape

torpedo

Coloration

Typically olive green to dark green on the back, fading to yellowish-white on the belly. The flanks are marked with irregular rows of light, bean-shaped spots or bars. Fins are often reddish or orange with dark blotches.

Scale type

cycloid

Mouth position

terminal

Distinctive features

Elongated, cylindrical body, Large, duck-bill-shaped snout, Numerous sharp, backward-pointing teeth, Dorsal and anal fins set far back on the body, near the caudal fin, Scales on the operculum (gill cover) are only on the upper half, Sensory pores on the underside of the lower jaw (5-6 on each side)

Dorsal fin

Single, soft-rayed dorsal fin located far back on the body, directly above the anal fin. Typically 17-25 rays.

Tail fin

Large, deeply forked caudal fin.

Pectoral fin

Relatively small, rounded pectoral fins located low on the body.

Distinctive fins

Pelvic fins are abdominal, located midway along the body. Dorsal and anal fins are positioned posteriorly, aiding in rapid acceleration for ambush predation.

Identification Tips

1. 1

   Snout Shape

   Distinctive 'duck-bill' flattened snout, unlike the more rounded snout of muskellunge.

2. 2

   Coloration and Markings

   Light, bean-shaped spots or bars on a darker body background. This contrasts with muskellunge, which typically have dark spots or bars on a lighter background, or no markings.

3. 3

   Scales on Operculum

   The upper half of the operculum (gill cover) is scaled, while the lower half is bare. This is a key differentiator from muskellunge (fully scaled operculum) and chain pickerel (fully scaled operculum and cheek).

4. 4

   Sensory Pores

   Count 5-6 sensory pores on each side of the underside of the lower jaw. Muskellunge typically have 6-9 pores, and chain pickerel have 4 pores.

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