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Nature

Northern Pike

What is northern pike?

· James MacDonald

Key facts

Scientific name Esox lucius[1]
Type Freshwater fish[1]
Distribution Northern hemisphere[1]
Habitat Rivers and lakes[1]
Common name Pike[1]

The northern pike (*Esox lucius*) is a carnivorous freshwater fish found in lakes and rivers across the northern hemisphere, commonly known simply as pike.

Context

The northern pike is a freshwater fish species known for its elongated body and sharp teeth. It is widely distributed across the northern hemisphere, inhabiting both rivers and lakes [1]. As a carnivorous predator, it feeds on fish, invertebrates, and amphibians [1]. In Canada, it is present in several provinces and territories, including Quebec, Ontario, and the Prairie provinces [1].

Documented claims

  • It is a carnivorous predator. [1]
  • It feeds primarily on fish, invertebrates, and amphibians. [1]
  • In Canada, it is found in Quebec, Ontario, the Prairie provinces, the northeast corner of British Columbia, Yukon, Nunavut, and Northwest Territories. [1]

Questions and answers

What do Canadians call northern pike?

Canadians commonly call it pike, as the species is also known as pike or northern pike [1].

Sources

  1. Northern Pike — dnr.wisconsin.gov (retrieved August 3, 2026)

Sources last checked August 3, 2026. · More in Nature