Pike Esox lucius

The Pike, also called Northern Pike to distinguish from others globally, and sometimes called Pickerel, is a large, predatory freshwater fish native to much of northern Eurasia and northern North America. The fish's name is from the pike weapon and not vice versa.

Pike typically grow to half a metre long but can reach 1.5 metres exceptionally. They are aggressive ambush predators that will take most prey that will fit their large mouths (fish, amphibians, ducklings, small mammals) and some that are too big and, since their sharp teeth point backwards, choke them (larger waterbirds, similar-sized fish). If food is scarce, cannibalism is common. They can live 15-20 years or more.