Storm pike
The apex predator in the lake on The dead island.
Basic Information
Anatomy
Storm pike is most often olive green, shading from yellow to white along the belly. The flank is marked with short, light bar-like spots and a few too many dark spots on the fins. Sometimes, the fins are reddish. Younger pike has yellow stripes along a green body; later, the stripes divide into light spots and the body turns from green to olive green. The lower half of the gill cover lacks scales, and it has large sensory pores on its head and on the underside of its lower jaw which are part of the lateral line system.
Genetics and Reproduction
Pike are physically capable of breeding at an age of about two years. They have a tendency to lay a large number of eggs. A likely explanation for such actions is to produce as many surviving offspring as possible, as many most likely die early in life.
Ecology and Habitats
Pike are found in the shallow, weedy places in the lake, as well as in the cold, clear, rocky waters. They are typical ambush predators; they lie in wait for prey, holding perfectly still for long periods, and then exhibit remarkable acceleration as they strike.
Dietary Needs and Habits
The young, free-swimming pike feed on small invertebrates starting with daphnia and quickly move on to bigger prey, such as the isopods. When the body length is 4 to 8 cm (1.6 to 3.1 in), they start feeding on small fish.
Scientific Name
E. lucius
Lifespan
10-15 years
Conservation Status
The locals who inhabit the island keep the numbers of this particular fish as close to natural as not to disturb the nature of the lake. When fishing, the fishermen will only take small numbers of the fish back to the village and is treated as a luxury.
Average Weight
0.91kg - 1.8kg
Average Length
510mm - 660mm
Geographic Distribution
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