Pikes and Mudminnows: Esociformes

A striking characteristic of pikes, a group that includes muskellunge, and mudminnows is that the dorsal (DOOR-suhl) fin, the fin along the midline of the back, is quite far back on the body. The bodies of pikes and mudminnows are not tapered at the ends and are round in cross section. Some of these fishes have a long, flat snout. Although most pikes and mudminnows are small or medium-sized, the largest pikes can reach more than 5 feet (1.5 meters) in length and weigh more than 66 pounds (30 kilograms). The smallest mudminnow rarely reaches 4 inches (10 centimeters) in length and weighs less than 1 ounce (28 grams). The colors of pikes and mudminnows vary, but markings or mottled patterns on a brown or olive green background are common.