How to Identify Chain Pickerel

To identify Chain Pickerel (Esox niger), look at these key features.

Physical Characteristics

Body shape

torpedo

Coloration

Olive green to golden brown on the back, fading to lighter sides with a distinctive dark, reticulated (chain-like) pattern. The belly is white to cream. A prominent dark, vertical bar is present beneath the eye.

Scale type

cycloid

Mouth position

superior

Distinctive features

Chain-like pattern on sides, Fully scaled operculum and cheek, Prominent dark bar beneath the eye, Dorsal fin located far back on the body, directly above the anal fin, Duck-bill shaped snout with sharp, conical teeth

Dorsal fin

Single, soft-rayed dorsal fin positioned far back on the body, directly above the anal fin. Typically 11-14 rays.

Tail fin

Forked caudal fin with rounded lobes.

Pectoral fin

Relatively small, positioned low on the body.

Distinctive fins

Pelvic fins are abdominal, located well behind the pectoral fins. All fins are generally dusky or yellowish.

Identification Tips

1. 1

   Body Pattern

   Look for the distinctive dark, chain-like or reticulated pattern on the sides against a lighter background. This is the most reliable field mark.

2. 2

   Cheek and Operculum Scaling

   Both the cheek and the operculum (gill cover) are fully scaled. This distinguishes it from Northern Pike (Esox lucius) which has a fully scaled cheek but only the upper half of the operculum scaled, and Muskellunge (Esox masquinongy) which has only the upper half of both scaled.

3. 3

   Suborbital Bar

   A prominent, dark, vertical bar is present directly beneath the eye. This bar is typically solid and well-defined.

4. 4

   Snout Shape

   Possesses a characteristic 'duck-bill' shaped snout, typical of the Esox genus, armed with numerous sharp teeth.

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