Science & Nature • Fish

Pike

Pike are freshwater predatory fish in the genus *Esox*, family Esocidae.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Pike are freshwater predatory fish in the genus *Esox*, family Esocidae. In common usage, “pike” usually refers to the northern pike (*Esox lucius*). Northern pike are native and widespread in Canada, making the fish familiar to Canadian anglers and freshwater ecosystems.

Classification

Pike belong to the genus *Esox* in the family Esocidae. The term is most often applied to the northern pike, *Esox lucius*, but it may also be used more broadly for related species in the same genus.

Physical characteristics

Pike are long, slender fish with a flattened snout, large mouth, and prominent teeth. Their body shape and colouring help them blend into weedy freshwater habitats while they wait to ambush prey.

Habitat and distribution

Pike live in freshwater environments such as lakes, slow rivers, canals, reservoirs, and larger ponds. Native populations occur across the Northern Hemisphere, including North America, Europe, and northern Asia.

Diet and behaviour

Pike are predatory fish that mainly eat other fish, but larger individuals may also take frogs, small mammals, and waterbirds. They are typically solitary and associated with vegetation or other cover.

Human use

Pike are popular with anglers and are also used as food in some regions. Several species in the genus *Esox* are recognized as sport fish.

Key facts

Pike are elongated freshwater fish with large mouths, sharp teeth, and torpedo-shaped bodies.
They are ambush predators that often hide in vegetation before striking prey.
Northern pike are widespread across North America, Europe, and northern Asia.
Pike spawn in shallow water in early spring.
They are valued as both sport fish and food fish in some regions.

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Canadian context

Northern pike are native and widespread in Canada, making the fish familiar to Canadian anglers and freshwater ecosystems.

Frequently asked questions

What is a pike?

A pike is a freshwater predatory fish in the genus *Esox*, usually referring to the northern pike.

Are pike and northern pike the same thing?

Often, yes in common usage. “Pike” usually means northern pike, but the word can also refer more generally to related *Esox* species.

What do pike eat?

Pike mainly eat fish, but larger pike may also eat frogs, small mammals, and waterbirds.

Where do pike live?

They live in freshwater habitats such as lakes, rivers, canals, reservoirs, and weedy slow-moving waters.

How big can pike get?

Large pike can reach about 1.5 m in length and around 25 kg to 55 lb, depending on the species and record reported.

Are pike native to Canada?

Yes. Northern pike are naturally found across parts of Canada and are widespread in the country.

References

Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Esox
Supports: Genus *Esox*, family Esocidae, common name pike, distribution, and size range
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service — https://www.fws.gov/story/northern-pike
Supports: Northern pike as a piscivorous freshwater fish and its North American distribution
Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection — https://portal.ct.gov/deep/fishing/freshwater/freshwater-fishes-of-connecticut/pike-and-pickerel
Supports: Family characteristics, body shape, predatory diet, and spawning habitat
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources — https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/minnaqua/speciesprofile/northern_pike.html
Supports: Common names, habitat association with vegetation, and northern pike ecology
The Wildlife Trusts — https://www.wildlifetrusts.org/wildlife-explorer/freshwater-fish/pike
Supports: Scientific name, lifespan, size, habitat, spawning, and behaviour