Chain Pickerel and Similar Species
Esox niger
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Open the appSeveral fish can be confused with Chain Pickerel. Here are the key differences.
Species often confused with {name}
Northern Pike
Esox lucius
Key differences: Northern Pike have light, bean-shaped spots on a dark background, whereas Chain Pickerel have a dark chain-like pattern on a lighter background. Northern Pike have a fully scaled cheek but only the upper half of the operculum scaled, while Chain Pickerel have both fully scaled. Northern Pike typically lack the prominent dark suborbital bar.
Muskellunge
Esox masquinongy
Key differences: Muskellunge are generally much larger and have dark bars or spots on a light background, or are unpatterned. Both the cheek and operculum of a Muskellunge are only scaled on the upper half. Muskellunge also lack the prominent dark suborbital bar.
Redfin Pickerel
Esox americanus americanus
Key differences: Redfin Pickerel are smaller, typically reaching only 12-15 inches. They have vertical wavy bars or blotches on their sides, not a chain-like pattern. Their fins, especially the caudal and anal fins, often have a reddish or orange tint, which is less pronounced or absent in Chain Pickerel. The suborbital bar is less distinct or absent.
Grass Pickerel
Esox americanus vermiculatus
Key differences: Grass Pickerel are also smaller than Chain Pickerel, similar in size to Redfin Pickerel. They have numerous dark, wavy, vertical bars on their sides, which are more distinct than the chain pattern of E. niger. Their fins are typically not reddish. Like Redfin Pickerel, they lack the prominent suborbital bar.
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