Pike & Muskie
Chain Pickerel
Esox niger
FreshwaterEsocidaeNot Evaluated
About
The Chain Pickerel is a slender, predatory fish characterized by its dark chain-like markings along its green or olive-colored sides. It is an ambush predator, lying in wait amongst vegetation to strike at unsuspecting prey with surprising speed.
- Average size
- 15-25 inches, 1-3 lbs
- Colors
- Greenish-brown to olive-green with dark, chain-like markings. Dark bar below the eye.
- Diet
- Primarily other fish, but also consumes insects, crustaceans, amphibians, and small mammals.
- Region
- Eastern North America, from southern Canada to Florida and west to Texas.