EsocidaePikes
There are 5 species of pikes found only in colder freshwater lakes and rivers of the northern hemisphere. These are distinctive looking fish, with duckbill-like snouts and long, tubular bodies. They grow up to 1.8 meters and 35 kilograms and are voracious predators, eating other fish (including other pikes) and vertebrates such as frogs, birds, and small mammals. They can eat animals up to one third of their own size. Pikes are popular with sport fishermen as they put up a fight when caught and are good to eat.
Contributors
Tanya Dewey (author), Animal Diversity Web.
Glossary
- bilateral symmetry
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having body symmetry such that the animal can be divided in one plane into two mirror-image halves. Animals with bilateral symmetry have dorsal and ventral sides, as well as anterior and posterior ends. Synapomorphy of the Bilateria.
- chemical
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uses smells or other chemicals to communicate
- motile
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having the capacity to move from one place to another.
- natatorial
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specialized for swimming
- tactile
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uses touch to communicate