Pike
Pike are predatory freshwater fish found worldwide. The northern pike is a long, slender fish typically resembling the look of an oversized perch, but with a flattened body and sharp teeth. It has very distinct "teeth" on its first dorsal fin (behind its gills), as well as large eyes and an olive-yellow to greenish-yellow coloring.
Northern pike is typically seen as solitary creatures, but can often be found in colder climates in schools due to their need for greater warmth. They are voracious predators, catching any fish they can fit into their mouths, with native fish species facing serious depletion because of them. Due to its large size and fearsome teeth, the northern pike is also popular amongst sports-fishermen.
The northern pike got its name from its resemblance to the pole weapon known as a pike. While the average size of a healthy northern pike is between 40 and 50 centimeters, specimens have been recorded over one meter in length and weighing up to 25 pounds. The record for a northern pike is 67 pounds! This fish is among the longest and heaviest in Europe.
Northern pike is native to almost all of Europe and North America, where it inhabits lakes, ponds, and sluggish stretches of freshwater rivers and streams. They prefer water temperature between 36°F and 64°F (2-18°C) and can live for up to 30 years.
If pike finds no food in a river or stream, they will move into lakes and deep water. They do this for protection from predators and to conserve energy in colder climates. Northern pike can be found across Asia as far east as China but is not present on the Indian subcontinent.
Pikes are found worldwide in lakes, streams, and rivers. They are typically solitary, although they can often be found in large schools due to their need for warmth. Pike can grow to be very large; the northern pike is known to grow up to 1m long, and 5 kilos in weight. They eat smaller fish and can live to around 15 years.
The northern pike is a long, slender fish typically resembling the look of an oversized perch, but with a flattened body and sharp teeth. It has very distinct "teeth" on its first dorsal fin (behind its gills), as well as large eyes and an olive-yellow to greenish-yellow coloring.
Global pike production
Pike is a popular fish for both recreational and commercial fishing, due to their voracious appetite and impressive size. Pike can grow to over 1.5m in length and weigh up to 35kg, making them one of the largest freshwater fish in the world.
Pike are found in lakes, rivers, and streams across Europe, Asia, and North America. They are predators, feeding on smaller fish, amphibians, reptiles, and mammals. Pike are popular targets for anglers as they put up a good fight when hooked. They are also considered a delicacy in many parts of the world and their flesh is often used in traditional dishes.
The global production of pike is difficult to quantify as they are not farmed commercially. However, it is thought that annual catches of pike exceed 1 million tonnes. The majority of this catch is likely to be from wild fisheries, with a smaller proportion coming from recreational fishing.
Pike has been fished for centuries and their popularity shows no signs of waning. Their status as a sought-after catch means that the global production of pike is likely to continue at a high level in the future.