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Northern pike
Hecht
Scientific name: Esox lucius
NativeFreshwater
Behavior
A carnivore and one of the top predators in freshwater. Usually solitary with strong territorial behaviour. Lurks near aquatic plants or submerged wood to ambush prey at lightning speed. Females spawn in early spring over shallow vegetation.
Features
Long, cylindrical body, flat head, broad duck-bill-like mouth with up to 700 backward-curving teeth. Dorsal and anal fins set far back. Grows up to 137 cm and 30 kg.
Distribution
Found throughout Germany and Europe, in almost every type of freshwater habitat. Also tolerates the brackish water of the Baltic coast.