Northern pike (Esox Lucius) also known as Pike, American pike, Great northern pike, Common pike, Great Lakes pike, Snot rocket, Grass pike, snake, Slough shark and Slough snake, is a long and slender fish of the family Esocidae. It is inherent to North America and Eurasia. They are also available in Labrador west, Alaska, Nebraska Pennsylvannia and Missouri. It is a carnivorous fish whose prey is frogs, waterfowl, crayfish, minnows, muskrats, mice and ducklings. They are usually found in brackish and fresh waters. The world record of Northern pike measures about 25 kg or 55 lb. was caught in Lake of Greffern (Germany) by Lothar Louis in 16 October, 1986.

Description

Northern pike grows upto the length of 70-120 cm (28-47 inches). It has long and slender body with flat snout. The eyes are bright yellow. It has olive green body and yellow to white belly. Female Northern pike lays about 100000 eggs. The spawning takes place in spring when the temperature of water reach to 48 degree Fahrenheit. The eggs are yellow to orange of 2.5-3 mm (0.098-0.118 inches) in diameter. The sticky eggs hatch after two weeks. It grows rapidly in first two years and reaches sexual maturity between the age of 3 and 5. In average, it could live upto 7 years in wild. They are found in the fresh water of Northern Hemisphere that includes Europe, Russia and North America.

Nutritional value

0.5 fillets of cooked Northern pike covers 113.1 g of moisture, 175 calories, 38.27 g of protein, 1.36 g of total lipid fat and 2.39 g of ash. It also contains the nutrients such as 3.56 µg of Vitamin B12, 1.764 g of Isoleucine, 3.514 g of Lysine, 0.429 g of tryptophan, 1.677 g of threonine, 1.972 g of valine, 1.127 g of histidine, 3.111 g of leucine, 38.27 g of protein, 437 mg of phosphorus, 25.1 µg of selenium, 4.34 mg of niacin, 1.349 mg of Vitamin B5, 0.48 mg of manganese, 0.209 mg of Vitamin B6, 62 mg of magnesium, 1.1 mg of Iron, 1.33 mg of Zinc, 113 mg of Calcium, 0.101 mg of Copper and 513 mg of Potassium.

Health Benefits of Northern pike

Northern pike has elongated body as well as head. The body has the color of light green or dark green. The underside part is white to yellowish. The yellow or gold spots are irregular. The presence of broad and flat snout resembles duck bill. The mouth has sharp teeth. Northern pike is loaded with various health benefits such as:

1. Cures anemia

Vitamin B12 helps to treat anemia such as megaloblastic anemia and pernicious anemia. It replenish Intrinsic factor that is essential for the maintenance of blood normality. (1)

2. Strengthen immunity

Protein is essential for the formation of immunity power that acts as a self-defense against diseases and infections. Antibodies detect and eliminate foreign elements such as antigens. (2)

3. Bone structure

Phosphorus is essential for the growth and maintains teeth as well as bone health. It works with calcium for creating bone health. It promotes the gum health along with tooth enamel. It provides relief from the conditions such as bone loss and loss of mineral density. The recent study shows that phosphorus is associated with heart health and prevents the conditions such as cardiovascular diseases. (3) (4)

4. Support digestive health

Vitamin B3 supports the functions of digestive health, promotes appetite, assists nerve function and provides glowing skin. (5)

5. Reduce stress

Pantothenic acid helps to lower stress and mental conditions such as depression, anxiety and keeps the mind fit. It regulates hormones which are responsible for these conditions. (6)

6. Level of sugar

Manganese helps to control the sugar level in blood. It prevents diabetes. It normalizes the secretion and synthesis of insulin. Manganese controls the uncertain drop in blood sugar. (7)

7. Skin ailments

Vitamin B6 helps to maintain the skin health and treats the skin conditions such as dandruff, eczema, acne, dry skin, psoriasis, melanoma and hair loss. (8)

8. Prevent Cramps

Magnesium cures kidney stress; relax back muscles and muscular tension. It assists body in absorbing calcium that helps to heal the bones faster. Its deficiency could lead to the cramp in legs and general fatigue. The intake of magnesium supplements treats the chronic leg cramps. (9)

9. Hemoglobin production

Iron is essential for the formation of hemoglobin. It provides dark shade to blood and helps to transport oxygen to body cells. As the human beings lose blood through internal and external injuries, extra hemoglobin is essential. Women are more likely to suffer from anemia as they lose blood during menstruation. (10) (11)

10. Treat obesity

Calcium maintains the weight of female and male.  It releases parathyroid hormone that promotes bones to release in the blood stream. It promotes the fat production and prevent the break down which is the cause for obese. One should intake adequate amount of calcium only to obtain the health benefits not more. (12)

Precautions                                                                                                 

• The scales should be carefully removed before consumption.
• We should limit its consumption.
• The mercury effects such as trembling hands, numbness, tingling tongues, lips, fingers and toes could be experienced.
• The raw consumption of fish should be avoided.

How to Eat         

It could be deep fried, boiled, grilled or added to soups and stews.

Other Facts        

• The size of 150 cm (59 inch) long and weight upto 25 kg (55 lb.) are rarely found.
• The heaviest Northern pike measures about 147 cm (58 inch) long and weighs 31 kg (68 lb.).
• The longest Northern pike was 152 cm (60 inch) long which weighs 28 kg (62 lb.).
• Northern pike is the state fish of North Dakota.
• They are regarded as ambush predators.
• It could swim upto 8 or 10 miles in an hour.
• Female weighs above 18 pounds.
• The Northern pike that made world record was caught in Germany.
• They do not require nest for its eggs.
• The oldest pike lives upto 25 years in its natural habitat.
• Humans are the predators of adult pike.
• The mouth has a shape of duck bill.
• The largest female pike lays upto 250000-500000 eggs.
• Typically, it reaches to sexual maturity in 3 years.

Northern pike facts

Northern pike is long with slender body of olive green and yellowish to white belly. The sides of fish have the spots of light color which match the color of belly. It has flattened and long snout. The mouth consists of sharp teeth. They are found in freshwater, deep lakes, shallow ponds and muddy rivers. The color ranges from green, olive green, brown with yellowish or bean shaped spots. It is white to cream underside. It has soft dorsal fin placed near tail fin. The spawning occurs in spring when water temperature reaches from 4 to 7 degree Celsius. The female pike lays about 100,000 eggs. Females become sexually mature at 3-4 years and males at 2-3 years.

 

References:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Northern_pike 

https://forum.americanexpedition.us/northern-pike-information-facts-photos-and-fishing-tips 

http://dnr2.maryland.gov/fisheries/Pages/Fish-Facts.aspx?fishname=Northern%20Pike 

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