At a glance
Essentials
- Size
- It can reach lengths of up to 1.5 meters and weights of up to 25 kg. Females are usually larger than males, which rarely exceed 90 cm in length. The range may vary with age, sex and population.
- Distribution
- Its natural distribution covers the northern hemisphere, including Europe, Russia, and North America. In Europe, it extends from northern Scandinavia to the south of the Iberian Peninsula, although it is not natively present in Portugal, Italy, or most of Spain. It has been introduced in other regions, such as Morocco.
- Habitat
- It inhabits flowing waters, lakes, reservoirs, and large ponds, preferring shores with submerged vegetation, logs, roots, or other structures that offer shelter. It is also found in low-salinity brackish waters, such as in the Baltic Sea.
- Activity
- It is less active during the night. On sunny days, it stays near shallow shores, while on windy days it moves away from the coast. It shows homing behavior to specific areas.
- Diet
- It feeds mainly on fish of various species, but also consumes crabs, toads, small waterbirds, and small mammals. It may practice cannibalism, especially when prey is scarce.
- Conservation
- The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) classifies the species globally as Least Concern, although local populations may be threatened by habitat degradation.
Observation guide
What to look for
- 01
Elongated body, almost cylindrical and laterally slightly flattened.
- 02
Large, elongated and flattened head, with a large-opening superior mouth.
- 03
Jaws, tongue, and gill arches equipped with specialized teeth curved backward.
- 04
Variable coloration: greenish-brown back with dark spots and white or yellowish belly.
- 05
Dorsal and anal fins displaced towards the posterior part of the body.
Lighting, age and viewing angle can hide features. If identification affects consumption, handling or conservation, consult specialist sources.
Ecology
Description and characteristics
The European pike (Esox lucius) is an actinopterygian fish of the family Esocidae. Its body is long, almost cylindrical in shape, and laterally slightly flattened. The head is elongated and flattened, with a large, superior mouth resembling a duck's bill. The jaws, tongue, and gill arches possess specialized teeth curved backward, designed to retain prey. Coloration varies according to habitat: the back is usually greenish-brown with dark spots, while the belly is white or yellowish. The dorsal and anal fins are displaced towards the posterior part of the body, allowing it to perform rapid and sudden movements. It reaches lengths of up to 1.5 meters and weights of up to 25 kg, although the maximum size is usually reached only by females; males rarely exceed 90 cm. It is a cold-water fish, mainly freshwater, although it is also found in low-salinity brackish waters, such as in the Baltic Sea.