State Fish Of North Dakota

State Fish Of North Dakota

“Northern Pike” Fish Is The Official State Fish Of North Dakota. North Dakota designated northern pike as the state fish by resolution in 1969. The North Dakota State Fish Northern Pike (Esox Lucius) gets its name from its resemblance of the pole-like weapon known as a pike used in the middle ages. Northern Pike (Esox Lucius) predation status makes it a fish to be feared by smaller fish. The northern pike is simply known as a pike in Britain, Ireland, Canada, and most parts of the USA, it is also called jackfish or simply “northern” in the Upper Midwest of the USA), is a species of carnivorous fish of the genus Esox (the pikes). State Fish Of North Dakota are typical of brackish and fresh waters of the Northern Hemisphere (i.e. holarctic in distribution). Pike grow to a relatively large size; lengths of 150 cm (59 in) and weights of 25 kg (55 lb) are not rare. The average length is about 70-120 cm (28-47 in). 

 

Identifying characteristics:

The single dorsal fin, light-colored spots on the darker body, the upper half of gill cover an entire cheek has scales.

 

Habitat:

North Dakota State Fish Northern pike seeks areas of dense vegetation in streams, lakes, and large rivers. They tend to occupy the shallow waters near the shore with covering. They prefer cool water, and therefore will head to the deeper water around midsummer.

 

Reproduction:

Great Lakes pike spawn in the shallows in April or May, right after the ice leaves, and before muskies reproduce. As a result of State Fish Of North Dakota eating habits, young pike grows rapidly in both length and weight. Females Northern Pike becomes sexually mature at age three or four years, and males at two to three years. Beyond sexual maturity, pike continues to gain weight, although more slowly. Great Lakes pike have an average life span of 10 to 12 years.

 

Northern Pike Facts

  1. Northern pike can swim 8-10 miles per hour.
  2. Neither the male nor the female pike cares for the eggs once they are laid.
  3. The “fries” continue to attach onto vegetation because of a sticky patch still on their head. This patch remains there for a couple of weeks.
  4. The oldest pike in its natural habitat lived to be 25 years old.
  5. The pikes are not a picky eater.
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