Aquatic Biologist Tim Owen handles a Chain Pickerel that was captured during a boat electrofishing survey. ©Photo by Matthias Gaffney - DWR
An angler releasing a Chain Pickerel.
Fact File
Scientific Name: Esox niger
Classification: Fish, Order Esociformes, Family Esocidae
Size: Chain Pickerel in Virginia can exceed 20 inches in length
Life Span: Chain Pickerel in Virginia can live for about 10 years
Identifying Characteristics
A Chain Pickerel being measured during a fish community survey. ©Photo by Scott Herrmann – DWR
- Very elongate body shape, with the dorsal fin positioned close to the caudal fin (tail)
- A long, duck-like mouth
- Chainlike pattern throughout the body profile
- A vertical slash below the eye
- Fully scaled on on the cheeks and gill covers
- Deeply forked caudal fin
Distribution:
Chain Pickerel are native throughout most of Virginia’s Albemarle and Chesapeake Bay watersheds.
Habitat
Chain Pickerel seek out areas with cover that are adjacent to open water. The Chain Pickerel will conceal itself in undercut banks, downed logs, or submerged aquatic vegetation and ambush unsuspecting prey as it passes by.
A small stream in Virginia’s Coastal Plain with excellent habitat for Chain Pickerel.
Diet
The Chain Pickerel is a top-level ambush predator within their environment. Adult Chain Pickerel feed primarily on other fish, but will also prey upon amphibians, reptiles, and small mammals.
Virginia Master Angler Grant Alvis displays a citation-sized Chain Pickerel caught using a topwater frog.
Last updated: September 3, 2024
The Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources Species Profile Database serves as a repository of information for Virginia’s fish and wildlife species. The database is managed and curated by the Wildlife Information and Environmental Services (WIES) program. Species profile data, distribution information, and photography is generated by the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources, State and Federal agencies, Collection Permittees, and other trusted partners. This product is not suitable for legal, engineering, or surveying use. The Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources does not accept responsibility for any missing data, inaccuracies, or other errors which may exist. In accordance with the terms of service for this product, you agree to this disclaimer.