Pike
Esox lucius
Length 30-120cm
Superb predator. Takes invertebrates when small but larger pike will tackle other fish and even young water birds. Marbled green and brown markings afford excellent camouflage when lurking among water plants. Streamlined shape and broad tail enable fish to perform lightning attacks on prey which are engulfed in huge mouth and retained by numerous sharp teeth. Favours weedy lowland lakes, flooded gravel pits and large, slow-flowing rivers. Widespread in Britain and Ireland.