Fact Sheet

Chain Pickerel

Freshwater Fish

Esox niger | Other Names: Pickerel, Water Wolf, Pike

Description

Long, narrow, torpedo-shaped, green body with a darker back and white belly. Adults have chain-like pattern on sides; juveniles lack pattern. Long snout, akin to a duckbill, filled with many large, sharp teeth. Caudal fin is deeply forked. Average length is 15 to 20 inches (38 to 51 cm).

Habitat & Impact

Inhabits shallow, vegetated ponds, lakes and sluggish streams. Chain Pickerel are voracious predators known to consume fish, aquatic invertebrates, rodents and even snakes. Within just a few years, native speckled trout population can be decimated. Not only transforms aquatic ecosystems, but also negatively impacts traditional sport fishing opportunities. This invasive is an exceptional competitor capable of decimating native trout populations, thus negatively impacting traditional sportfishing opportunities in the province.

Pathway

Illegally introduced in southwestern Nova Scotia during the 1940s. Illegal introduction, in combination with natural migration, has expanded their distribution.

Chain Pickerel
A mouth full of sharp teeth

Native Alternative

Native fish species such as Speckled Trout and White
Perch are exciting and tasty sport fish. The presence of Chain Pickerel often eliminates populations of these preferred native sport fish.

Key Identification Features

Long narrow fish, black and green chain pattern on side, snout full of sharp teeth.

Chain Pickerel
Torpedo-shaped body
Chain Pickerel
Pattern of light and dark green chains on side

Native Alternative

Native fish species, like Speckled Trout and White Perch, are exciting and tasty sport fish. The presence of Chain Pickerel often eliminates populations of these preferred native sport fish.

Chain Pickerel
Trout fishing in Nova Scotia

Interesting Fact

Pickerel have many rows finely serrated, inward facing teeth. These teeth
are used to capture and hold prey, which is then turned and swallowed head first!

Stewardship Actions

If you’re in a lake or river that is known to have Chain Pickerel, keep your fishing gear, boating gear, livewell
and buckets clean so that you’re not accidentally transporting fish or fish eggs into another watershed. It is illegal
to use or possess Chain Pickerel for bait in Nova Scotia. If you spot these invasive species, report the location to
iNaturalist or directly to the NSISC.