The Virtual Aquarium of Virginia Tech--Pikes

Redfin Pickerel, Esox americanus

 
Physical Description: 
ï¿½	Elongate, slightly compressed, relatively deep body 
ï¿½	Unspotted red fins
ï¿½	Barred body
ï¿½	Single dorsal and anal fins far posterior on the body
ï¿½	Forked tail
ï¿½	Head slopes to a point, jaws are long and duckbill-shaped, short snout
ï¿½	Terminal, toothed mouth 
ï¿½	Thick line below eye at a downward angle 
ï¿½	Jaw extends to the back of the eye; chain pickerel jaw stops at the eye  

Similar species: 
ï¿½	Chain pickerel (Esox niger)

Mean body size:
ï¿½	Adults are 150-200 mm total length

Habitat:
ï¿½	Vegetated shallows and backwaters of warm-water aquatic systems
ï¿½	Also found in brackish and tidal waters
 
Distribution in VA:
ï¿½	Roanoke, Chowan, and all Atlantic slope drainages, except the James 

Food Habits:  
ï¿½	Young feed on small crustaceans and aquatic insects
ï¿½	Adults feed mainly on fish and crayfish 

Reproductive Habits: 
ï¿½	Mature at age 2 or 3
ï¿½	Spawning occurs in 2-4 weeks in early spring in water 4-10ï¿½C
ï¿½	Group spawning in shallow, heavily vegetated areas 
ï¿½	Fecundity is 186-542 eggs per female 

Population Status, Economic, or Ecological Importance: 
ï¿½	A significant role in controlling small-fish populations

References:       

Jenkins, R.E and N.M. Burkhead. 1993. Freshwater Fishes of Virginia. American Fisheries Society, Bethesda, Maryland.

If you are seeking more information for the above species click on the VAFWIS logo (The Virginia Fish and Wildlife Information Service):

Chain Pickerel

Muskellunge

Northern Pike

Redfin Pike

Continue Browsing Families.....