Bean shaped whitish markings are located along the length of the body. The most obvious characteristic is the large canine teeth attached to the lower jaw. These physical adaptations lend themselves well to the fish's voracious feeding behavior. Whether fish, mammal, or bird, nothing is safe while in the presence of the northern pike. There are even recorded instances where large pike die trying to consume each other.
Northern pike are one of the first species to spawn in northern Indiana.
This usually begins around ice-out or in late winter. Pike are known to spawn in shallow, highly vegetated areas of lakes and sluggish rivers where dissolved oxygen is suitable. Most of the eggs will be consumed by young fish and insects. Young pike feed primarily on insects and small fish.