pike

Pike is a term with multiple meanings. It commonly denotes a large predatory freshwater fish of the genus Esox, especially the northern pike (Esox lucius). The word also refers to a long polearm used by infantry in Europe from the late Middle Ages into the early modern period and to various place names and surnames.

Pike fish are elongated, torpedo-shaped predators with a flattened head, a long snout, and sharp teeth. They have a dorsal fin positioned far back and a strong tail for bursts of speed. Adults typically reach 60 to 100 centimeters, though larger individuals exceed 1 meter. They inhabit rivers, lakes, and wetlands with vegetation, where they lie in wait to ambush prey, mainly other fish. Juveniles eat invertebrates. Spawning occurs in spring among vegetation, and eggs hatch into larvae that feed on zooplankton before becoming piscivorous. Pikes are valued by anglers; in some regions they can become invasive and disrupt native fish communities if introduced outside their range.

Pike as a polearm is a long thrusting spear, often several meters in length, with a hardened head mounted on a wooden shaft. It was a standard infantry weapon in much of Europe from the 14th to the 17th centuries, used in tight formations to deter cavalry and support spearmen. The rise of firearms and bayonet-equipped muskets reduced its military role, though pikes continued in ceremonial units and some historical drill groups.

In geography and onomastics, Pike appears as a toponym and a surname, and is used in the names of rivers, towns, and features in English-speaking countries.