The Amur Pike, Esox reichertii, is a freshwater fish native to Asia. Its name is derived using the International Phonetic Alphabet transcription, with "Ah-moor" representing the pronunciation of "Amur" and "paɪk" representing the sound of the word "pike". The fish is also known as the Korean Pike or the Manchurian Pike due to its distribution in those regions. It is a predatory fish with a streamlined body that can reach up to one meter in length. The Amur Pike is occasionally caught for sport and is also used as a food source.
The Amur Pike, scientifically known as Esox reichertii, is a freshwater predatory fish species belonging to the family Esocidae. It is native to the Amur River basin in eastern Asia, specifically found in China, Russia, and North Korea. This species is commonly referred to as the Amur Pike because it predominantly inhabits the Amur River and its adjoining tributaries.
The Amur Pike is characterized by its elongated, torpedo-shaped body and sharp, prominent teeth. It can grow to a substantial size, with adult individuals typically reaching lengths of over one meter and weighing up to several kilograms. The body coloration of the Amur Pike varies from greenish to yellowish, often with dark spots along its flanks.
Being an apex predator, the Amur Pike feeds on a wide array of prey including smaller fish, crustaceans, and aquatic insects. It possesses exceptional speed, agility, and an acute sense of vision, which aids in its successful hunting and capturing of prey.
Due to its elongated body shape and strong jaws, the Amur Pike is considered an excellent game fish and is sought after by recreational anglers. It offers a challenging fight when hooked and provides a thrilling fishing experience.
Conservation efforts are in place to protect the Amur Pike's natural habitat and population. However, factors such as habitat degradation, pollution, and overfishing have contributed to declining populations of this species in certain areas of its range. Research and monitoring programs are crucial in determining effective conservation measures to ensure the long-term survival and sustainability of the Amur Pike species.
The word "Amur Pike" is derived from the combination of two terms: "Amur" and "Pike".
1. Amur: The term "Amur" refers to the Amur River, which flows through China and Russia. The river is named after the Manchu word for "river", "amar". It is one of the longest rivers in Eurasia.
2. Pike: The word "pike" is a common name for a freshwater fish species belonging to the family Esocidae. It is characterized by its elongated body, sharp teeth, and aggressive predatory behavior. The term "pike" itself comes from the Old English word "pic", meaning a spear, which is fitting for the fish's resemblance to a spearhead.
Therefore, when combined, "Amur Pike" refers to a particular species of pike fish that is found in the Amur River and its surrounding regions.