Esox

Esox is a genus of freshwater fish, the only living genus in the family Esocidae—the esocids which were endemic to North America and Eurasia during the Paleogene through present.

The species of this genus are known as pike and pickerel. The type species is Esox lucius, the northern pike.

Species

The currently recognized species in this genus are:

• Esox americanus Gmelin, 1789 (American pickerel)
• Esox aquitanicus Denys, Dettai, Persat, Hautecoeur & Keith, 2014 (Aquitanian pike)
• Esox cisalpinus Bianco & Delmastro, 2011 (southern pike)
• Esox lucius Linnaeus, 1758 (northern pike)
• Esox masquinongy Mitchill, 1824 (muskellunge)
• Esox niger Lesueur, 1818 (chain pickerel)
• Esox reichertii Dybowski, 1869 (Amur pike)

Description

The members of this genus are elongated, predatory fish, with sharp teeth, and a distinctive duckbill-like snout. The body plan of the esocids is fairly typical of predator fish. Esox species are found in fresh water environments worldwide.

Behavior

Esox fish, including the pike, are known for their aggressive behavior. They are solitary fish, and their preferred method of predation is to lie in wait for prey, holding perfectly still for lengthy periods. They then strike with remarkable speed and force.

In Popular Culture

Esox, particularly the northern pike, is a popular sport fish, pursued by anglers for its fight and potential size. It is also considered a good eating fish.

See Also

• Fish
• Freshwater fish
• Predatory fish

References

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