PIKE, fresh-water fishes generally distributed over the rivers and lakes of Europe, northern Asia, and North America, and fortning a small family (Esocidae) of soft-rayed fishes. They are recognized by their elongate compressed body covered with small scales, a long head, long spatulate snout, and large mouth armed with strong and long teeth in the jaws and broad bands of smaller teeth on the palate and tongue. The teeth point back wards or can be depressed so as to offer no obstruction to any object entering the gape, but prevent its withdrawal in the oppo site direction. The dorsal and anal fins are placed far back on the tail, thus greatly increasing the propelling power of the fish. Although pike lead rather a sedentary life, they are excelled by no other fresh-water fish in rapidity of motion when they dash upon their prey or dart out of reach of danger. In the Old World one species only is known (Esox lucius), which prefers lakes and sluggish reaches of rivers. It ex
tends into Lapland in the north and as far south as central Italy and Constantinople, but is absent in Spain and Portugal. The Euro pean species occurs also in east ern North America, and is com mon southwards to northern Ohio. But North American waters are tenanted by other species of pike of which the largest is the muskelunge or maskinonge of the Great Lakes (E. nobilior). The other American pike are smaller and generally named "pickerel." Pike are the most voracious of fresh-water fish. Large specimens will seize rats or water-voles, and are said to attack even foxes and small dogs. Individuals of E. lucius of 50 lbs. are not scarce, but much larger ones are on record. Pike are wholesome food, and are much esteemed in inland countries. According to the season and the climate they spawn in April or in May and some times as early as February.