The Northern Pike has a long, torpedo shaped body with dorsal and anal fins located far back near the forked tail. It is able to catch and eat prey from one third to one half its length thanks to the design of the jaw which allows the mouth to swing wide open. The belly is milky white while its greenish fins are often tinged red-orange with black markings. This coloration provides excellent camouflage while the pike lies in wait for its prey. Pike can weigh up to 50 pounds and measure over 50 inches in length.
Female pike grow much larger than male pike.
European pike grow larger than those found in North America often approaching the size of muskie. The cheeks are fully scaled while the gill covers are scaled on the upper half only. Unofficial reports from Ireland and the USSR are in the 77-90lb range. Northerns can be found in ponds, lakes and slow moving rivers with water temperature ranging from 40 to 60 degrees. Pike can tolerate low oxygen levels, turbid and even brackish waters.