Northern pikeminnow
📖 Overview
Found in lakes, pools and occasionally in runs of small to large rivers. Large individuals occur in deep water . They feed on fishes, terrestrial insects, plankton, aquatic insect larvae, and crustaceans while inshore; and on fishes while offshore . Male squawfish, prickly sculpins, and newts prey on the eggs . Edible but not well appreciated (1998).
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal soft rays (total): 9 - 10; Anal soft rays: 8 - 9; Vertebrae: 44 - 46. Mot deep bodied, greatest depth 16.6% (TL), belly gently rounded in mature individuals. Head moderately long, its length 22.8% (TL); eye small in adults, 17.6% of head length, but larger in young 7.6 cm long, when 25.2% of head length; snout long, 33.1% of head length of adults; interorbital width 29.6% of head length; mouth large, extending back to below anterior margin of eye. All fins clear. Pelvic axillary process usually a ridge. Peritoneum present. Nuptial tubercles fine, on head and back, on pectoral and pelvic fins and sometimes on the caudal fin. Dark green or green-brown dorsally becoming silvery white or cream ventrally. The lower fins of the males become yellow or yellow-orange during spawning period . Dorsal fin usually with 9 rays; anal fin with 8 rays; 48-72, usually 51-62, scales on back from head to dorsal fin; 64-79, usually 66-75, scales on lateral line; and 12-20 scales above lateral line .: fusiform / normal.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Northern pikeminnow is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
A female is surrounded by males close to the bottom; eggs and sperm are released at the same time and eggs settle in the gravel.
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Freshwater; benthopelagic; potamodromous . Temperate; 55°N - 39°N North America: Pacific drainages from Nass River in British Columbia, Canada to Columbia River in Nevada, USA; Harney River basin in Oregon, USA; Peace River system (Arctic basin) in British Columbia and Alberta, Canada.
🌿 Ecology
fishes, terrestrial insects, plankton, aquatic insect larvae, and crustaceans while inshore; and on
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🎣 Angling Guide
- medium-heavy 7ft spinning rod
- 30-50 lb braid
- fluorocarbon leader
- grass flats
- oyster bars
- marsh drains
- deeper channel edges
Use barbless hooks, minimise air exposure, and revive fish head-first in current before release.
⚠️ Slot limits protect breeding-size fish. Verify daily bag limits.
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Northern pikeminnow is an edible species."
- Clear, bright eyes — cloudy eyes indicate age
- Firm flesh that springs back when pressed
- Fresh ocean smell, never strong or ammonia-like
- Bright red or pink gills, not grey or brown
- Shiny, moist skin with scales tightly attached
- Cloudy or sunken eyes
- Strong fishy or ammonia odour
- Soft, mushy flesh that doesn't spring back
- Discoloured or dry flesh
⚡ Nutrition
Detailed nutritional data for Northern pikeminnow is currently being compiled from USDA FoodData Central.
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Northern pikeminnow has not yet been assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.
🌿 Sustainability
🔬 Full Nutritional Profile
Per 100g - Raw, per 100g - Source: USDA FoodData Central templates (generic fish average)
📊 Population Dynamics
| Year | Region | Index | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| - | - | - |
🌐 Names & Taxonomy
| Language | Common Names |
|---|---|
| 🇬🇧English | Northern Pikeminnow · northern squawfish · nothern squawfish |
| 🇫🇷French | méné-brochet du nord · sauvagesse du nord |
🦠 Common Diseases
The following diseases are known to affect Northern pikeminnow.
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 46 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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