Esox lucius Linnaeus, 1758

Esox lucius, commonly known as the northern pike is a freshwater fish species found in large parts of the northern hemisphere. Northern pikes have an elongated body which can reach a length of more than 1 m and weigh 20 kg. Its dorsal and anal fins are located in the rear part of the body near the caudal fin, which enables extremely fast acceleration. The body of northern pikes is colored green and is usually lighter at its belly. At its flanks, northern pikes have many bright spots which in young specimens often connect to form stripes, allowing them to camouflage between underwater plants. Pikes have pointed heads and a large mouth that is formed like a duck's beak.

Pikes are predatory fish that mostly feed on smaller fish (including those of its own kind if food is scarce), but they also prey on amphibians, birds and occasionally small mammals. They live in freshwater habitats such as streams, lakes and ponds where they are often found in reed beds or hidden in all kinds of water vegetation. They can also occur near the coast in brackish water.