Fun Pike Facts For Kids

Pike fishes form a family that is named after the shape of its head. Pike fishes have a log body, and a spear-shaped head which looks like the weapon called pike.

Much like the weapon that they are named after, these fishes are dangerous predators and have an exquisite carnivorous diet. They eat almost anything that comes their way, and this is where their sharp teeth come to full use. The most common variety of pike, Northern pike are found in the Northern Hemisphere, parts of North America, Europe and Russia, however, the size and length of the fish is often different when bred in different places.

These fishes are also unbelievably adaptive and persistent, as they can survive any fluctuation in water temperature as well as in oxygen levels in lakes, ponds or rivers.

One of the fun facts about pikes is that they reproduce hybrids with Muskellunges!

For more relatable content, check out these flounder facts and herring facts for kids.
 

What type of animal is a pike?

The pike is a species of fishes that is named after the shape of its head. It belongs to the larger group of pike fishes that are fishing varieties as well.

What class of animal does a pike belong to?

In scientific terms, the class that a pike would belong to is that of Actinopterygii. However, in popular language, we associate all species of pike as predators.

How many pikes are there in the world?

There are no studies that can tell us the exact number of pike fishes that there are in the world, since they are a widely available species and their numbers are continually on the rise.

Where does a pike live?

The pike fish can be seen to be living in freshwater or brackish water, in gravel-laden rivers and in shallow lakes. These fishes can adapt to a lot of variations in water temperature and oxygen levels, and can adapt to a varied range of habitat.

What is a pike's habitat?

The pike fish is named so due to the fact that it is widely available along the Northern Hemisphere. They are found in places such as Europe, North America and Russia, however, the physical attributes of the fishes may vary between these varieties.

Who do pikes live with?

The pike fish is a largely territorial species. This means that they are quite aggressive and even cannibalistic. Naturally, this fish species is not found in large schools.

Additionally, this fish even preys on animals alone, and does not enjoy any company.

How long does a pike live?

The average lifespan of a Northern pike (Esox lucius), or the pike family in general, is of about 7-10 years, which is not a short timeline for fishes!

How do they reproduce?

This animal species reproduces through spawning. This means that the female fish releases its eggs before the male fish can fertilize them. Then fertilized eggs begin to drop to the bottom of the water body and stay there until hatching and the formation of a proper mouth.

Both the male and female pike fishes take up the responsibility of feeding the young carnivorous babies, and take care of the intense hunger that is typical to the species.

What is their conservation status?

The conservation status of the Northern pike (Esox lucius), according to the IUCN, is that of Least Concern.

What do pikes look like?

The head of the pike fish ends in a peculiar snout that is filled with dangerously sharp teeth. It is with the help of these teeth that the Pike is able to satisfy its intense, carnivorous diet. These fishes also have a mucous lining on their scales.

The Northern pike is known for the spots that can be seen on its body, and the rare occurrence of red colored fins!

How cute are they?

Well, let's be honest, pikes are not our quintessential aquarium fishes; but if you are a fishing enthusiast, it is understandable that you find this fish species cute!

How do they communicate?

There are no studies regarding the mode of communication that these animals use to talk to their mates, but we do know that the male and female pike fishes communicate during the breeding season through a rather curious ritual of head-nudging!

How big is a pike?

Th length of an average pike can be around 16-22 in (0.4-0.5 m)!

How fast can a Pike swim?

This fish species can swim at the staggering speed of 8-10 mph (10-13 kph)!

How much does a pike weigh?

The average weight of a pike fish is around 35.27 lb (16 kg).

What are their male and female names of the species?

There are no distinct names for the male and female pike fishes, and so, we will have to simply refer to them as the male pike and the female pike.

What would you call a baby pike?

As much as it would be nice to have a cute name for the baby pike, there is none. We will simply have to refer to them as a juvenile or a little pike!

What do they eat?

This animal species is carnivorous and has a deeply insatiable hunger. Their metabolism is such that the food is digested very quickly, leaving more time for the fish to keep eating. They feed on small fishes, crabs, shrimps, cuttlefish and other animals such as mammals and birds that are all available aplenty in the lakes that they inhabit!

Are they dangerous?

Given the fact that these lake fishes have awfully sharp teeth and are predators, it is safe to say that this species has to be dealt with carefully while on a fishing adventure!

This fish species is so dangerous that the baby pike fishes need to hide shortly after they hatch from the eggs in order to not fall prey to siblings!

Would they make a good pet?

It is unlikely that pike fishes would make good pets since they are predators and have an insatiable hunger. They are also very territorial and might cause harm to the other species of fishes that you might have in your aquarium!

Did you know...

Pike fishes are often confused with muskellunge due to their similar features!

Pike fishes reproduce through spawning, and the female releases her eggs after an elaborate ritual of head nudging.

The freshwater pike fishes feed almost throughout the day, and swim up to the prey after long periods of waiting!

The northern pike teeth are awfully sharp and help them in ingesting prey in lakes and ponds.

Young pikes hide among planktons in order to not be eaten by their siblings!

Different types of pike fish

The different types of pike fish that are found are Aquitanian pike, Southern pike, Northern pike and American pickerel.

Catching and eating pike

If you are a fishing enthusiast, you will be thrilled to know that pike fishing is popular and fairly simple. It is suggested that you use dead bait, and not expect to wait for a long time because the extreme eating habits of this species will bring a few pikes running to your lure!

While eating a pike fish, make sure to remove the mucous covering on its scales!

Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created lots of interesting family-friendly animal facts for everyone to discover! For more relatable content, check out these codfish facts and Pacific cod facts pages.

You can even occupy yourself at home by coloring in one of our free printable pike fish coloring pages.