PIKE


Meaning of PIKE in English

n.

Any of several voracious freshwater fishes (family Esocidae, order Salmoniformes) with a slender body, small scales, long head, shovel-like snout, large mouth, and strong teeth, and with dorsal and anal fins far back on the tail.

The northern pike ( Esox lucius ) of North America, Europe, and northern Asia may grow to 4.5 ft (1.4 m) long and weigh 45 lbs (20 kg). A solitary hunter, it lies motionless or lurks among weeds, then suddenly lunges, seizing an approaching fish or invertebrate. Large species also take waterfowl and small mammals. See also muskellunge , pickerel .

Northern pike ( Esox lucius )

Russ Kinne

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Britannica Concise Encyclopedia.      Краткая энциклопедия Британика.