The scientific name of the northern pike is Esox lucius.
Northern pike belong to the pike family, Esocidae, and are native across much of Europe, Asia, Canada, and the northern United States. Their long, torpedo-shaped bodies, ducklike snouts, and sharp teeth make them recognizable freshwater predators.
The species name lucius comes from the Latin word for pike. Northern pike are sometimes confused with muskellunge, another large member of the same genus, but muskellunge are Esox masquinongy and usually have different markings and scale patterns.
Northern pike inhabit lakes, slow rivers, marshes, and vegetated shorelines. They often ambush prey from cover rather than chase it over long distances. Their diet includes smaller fish, frogs, crayfish, waterfowl, and small mammals.