Fin's Fish Guide
The Redfin pickerel (Esox americanus) is a freshwater fish of the family Esocidae that grows up to 39 cm.
Fresh water of eastern North America, in slow-moving, densely vegetated water of streams, ponds and swamps.
Description
The redfin pickerel is a small pike of the family Esocidae (pikes) reaching about 40 cm. The elongate, greenish body has a far-set-back dorsal fin, a duck-bill-like snout with sharp teeth and dark, oblique cross-bars along the flank; the fins often have a reddish tinge. The species is native to the fresh water of eastern North America and lives in slow, densely vegetated water of streams, ponds and swamps. As an ambush predator it lies motionless among the water plants and strikes fiercely at fish, crustaceans, insects and tadpoles. In early spring it lays sticky eggs among flooded plants. For anglers it is a willing, hard-fighting small sport fish.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Redfin pickerel?
The Redfin pickerel has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly green and shows a vertical stripes pattern. Small pike with a duck-bill-like snout, a dorsal fin set far back and dark vertical bars; an ambush predator among aquatic plants.
Where does the Redfin pickerel live?
The Redfin pickerel lives in fresh water and is mostly found around algae or seagrass beds. Fresh water of eastern North America, in slow-moving, densely vegetated water of streams, ponds and swamps.
How big does the Redfin pickerel get?
The Redfin pickerel grows to a maximum of about 39 cm.
Is the Redfin pickerel dangerous to humans?
The Redfin pickerel can bite, but is otherwise not dangerous to humans. A predatory fish with sharp teeth that can bite fiercely when handled; keep fingers away from the mouth and unhook with tools.
Is the Redfin pickerel edible?
Yes, the Redfin pickerel is commonly eaten.
More photos
Want the complete picture on the Redfin pickerel?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Redfin pickerel is one of 12,519 species in the app.
All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Esox
More from the family Esocidae
Want the complete picture on the Redfin pickerel?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Redfin pickerel is one of 12,519 species in the app.