Vertebrate Zoology: A Study Guide - T. A. Dauda 2014

Multicellular Animals
Fishes
Class Bony Fishes - Subclass Actinopterygii - Order Esociformes

Pike (Esociformes) are predatory Fishes with an elongated, cylindrical body, a flattened HEAD, and strongly extended jaws armed with sharp Teeth. Their dorsal and anal fins are shifted far back. The swim bladder communicates with the gut. The northern pike is widespread in the rivers and lakes of our country, as well as in the desalinated areas of the southern seas. It typically inhabits beds of aquatic vegetation. It feeds on fish, nestlings, and frogs. In fish-breeding farms, it can cause significant damage; for instance, a 12 kg pike consumes about 300 kg of fish over its lifetime. Its commercial value is relatively low. The largest specimens can reach up to 35 kg in mass and over 1.5 m in length. Spawning occurs in spring in the coastal zone and shallows.



Last update: 13/08/2026

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