pickerel

chain pickerelChain pickerel (Esox niger).

pickerel, any of several North American pikes, family Esocidae, distinguished from the related muskellunge and northern pike by its smaller size, completely scaled cheeks and gill covers, and banded or chainlike markings. The chain pickerel (Esox niger) grows to about 0.6 metre (2 feet) and a weight of 1.4 to 1.8 kilograms (3 to 4 pounds).

grass pickerel
grass pickerelGrass pickerel (Esox americanus vermiculatus).

The species E. americanus consists of two subspecies: the redfin pickerel (E. americanus americanus) and the grass pickerel (E. americanus vermiculatus). This species reaches a maximum weight of about 0.5 kg (1.1 pounds). See also pike.

This article was most recently revised and updated by Richard Pallardy.
Citation Information
Article Title: pickerel
Website Name: Encyclopaedia Britannica
Publisher: Encyclopaedia Britannica, Inc.
Date Published: 25 November 2009
Access Date: February 22, 2025