The northern pike (Esox lucius) is a carnivorous freshwater fish found in lakes, rivers, and estuaries across the Northern Hemisphere. It is also known as the great northern pike, jack, or pickerel.
Pike have long, slender bodies, flattened heads, large mouths, and sharp teeth. Their coloration is usually dark green or brown with light spots. They prefer shallow, weedy areas but can also inhabit deeper waters.
They are opportunistic predators, eating fish, amphibians, birds, and small mammals. Pike are solitary, territorial, and aggressive, often ambushing prey. They spawn in spring in shallow, vegetated water.
The species is not currently threatened, though some populations face pressure from habitat loss, pollution, and overfishing.