Esox reichertii
Esox reichertii
(Amur pike)
Fishes
Exotic
Collection Info
Point Map
Species Profile
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Esox reichertii Dybowski, 1869
Common name: Amur pike
Synonyms and Other Names: blackspotted pike
Taxonomy: available through www.itis.govITIS logo

Identification: Distinguishing characteristics, a key, and an illustration were provided by Berg (1948).
Size: 110 cm and 16 kg or more.
Native Range: Northeast Asia in the Amur River basin (Berg 1948; Nikolski 1956; Robins et al. 1991b).
Hydrologic Unit Codes (HUCs) Explained
Interactive maps: Point Distribution Maps

Nonindigenous Occurrences:

Table 1. States with nonindigenous occurrences, the earliest and latest observations in each state, and the tally and names of HUCs with observations†. Names and dates are hyperlinked to their relevant specimen records. The list of references for all nonindigenous occurrences of Esox reichertii are found here.

StateFirst ObservedLast ObservedTotal HUCs with observations†HUCs with observations†
PA195619913Bald Eagle; Susquehanna; Upper West Branch Susquehanna

Table last updated 3/29/2025

† Populations may not be currently present.
Means of Introduction: Intentionally stocked for sport fishing.
Status: Cooper (1983) reported Amur pike as established; however, Robins et al. (1991b) listed them as not established. T. Bender (personal communication) believes pure Amur pike are extirpated in Pennsylvania.
Impact of Introduction: The impacts of this species are currently unknown, as no studies have been done to determine how it has affected ecosystems in the invaded range. The absence of data does not equate to lack of effects. It does, however, mean that research is required to evaluate effects before conclusions can be made.
Remarks: Pure Amur pike were last spawned in 1971. All of the Pennsylvania Fish Commission's brood stock was lost in the summer of 1976 (Bender, personal communication).
References: (click for full references)

Bender, T. - Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission, State College, PA.

Berg, L. S. 1948-1949. Freshwater fishes of the U.S.S.R. and adjacent countries, 4th edition. Three volumes. Translated from Russian, 1962-1965, for the Smithsonian Institution and the National Science Foundation, by Israel Program for Scientific Translations, Jerusalem, Israel. Volume 1:504 pp.; volume 2:496 pp.; volume 3:510 pp.

Cooper, E. L. 1983. Fishes of Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania State University Press, University Park, PA.

Denoncourt, R. F., T. B. Robbins, and R. Hesser. 1975a. Recent introductions and reintroductions to the Pennsylvania fish fauna of the Susquehanna River drainage above Conowingo Dam. Proceedings of the Pennsylvania Academy of Science 49:57-58.

Nikolski, G. V. 1956. Fishes of the Amur Basin. Moscow Academy of Science U.S.S.R. 551 pp.

Robins, C. R., R. M. Bailey, C. E. Bond, J. R. Brooker, E. A. Lachner, R. N. Lea, and W. B. Scott. 1991b. World fishes important to North Americans exclusive of species from the continental waters of the United States and Canada. American Fisheries Society Special Publication 21. American Fisheries Society, Bethesda, MD. 243 pp.

FishBase Summary
Author: Fuller, P.
Revision Date: 5/8/2019
Peer Review Date: 4/13/2006

Citation Information:
Fuller, P., 2025, Esox reichertii Dybowski, 1869: U.S. Geological Survey, Nonindigenous Aquatic Species Database, Gainesville, FL, https://nas.er.usgs.gov/queries/FactSheet.aspx?speciesID=682, Revision Date: 5/8/2019, Peer Review Date: 4/13/2006, Access Date: 3/29/2025

This information is preliminary or provisional and is subject to revision. It is being provided to meet the need for timely best science. The information has not received final approval by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and is provided on the condition that neither the USGS nor the U.S. Government shall be held liable for any damages resulting from the authorized or unauthorized use of the information.

Disclaimer:

The data represented on this site vary in accuracy, scale, completeness, extent of coverage and origin. It is the user's responsibility to use these data consistent with their intended purpose and within stated limitations. We highly recommend reviewing metadata files prior to interpreting these data.

Citation information: U.S. Geological Survey. [2025]. Nonindigenous Aquatic Species Database. Gainesville, Florida. Accessed [3/29/2025].

Contact us if you are using data from this site for a publication to make sure the data are being used appropriately and for potential co-authorship if warranted.

For general information and questions about the database, contact Wesley Daniel. For problems and technical issues, contact Matthew Neilson.



Disclaimer:

The Nonindigenous Occurrences section of the NAS species profiles has a new structure. The section is now dynamically updated from the NAS database to ensure that it contains the most current and accurate information. Occurrences are summarized in Table 1, alphabetically by state, with years of earliest and most recent observations, and the tally and names of drainages where the species was observed. The table contains hyperlinks to collections tables of specimens based on the states, years, and drainages selected. References to specimens that were not obtained through sighting reports and personal communications are found through the hyperlink in the Table 1 caption or through the individual specimens linked in the collections tables.



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