Chain Pickerel
Esox niger
About This Fish

The Chain Pickerel has a widespread distribution in primarily coastal habitats from Texas to Nova Scotia, including the Mobile Basin, as well as the Mississippi Embayment north to Missouri, including the Tennessee River. They are found in slow backwater areas of streams, swamps, and lakes, commonly associated with vegetation and clear water. As the common name suggests, Chain Pickerels have a “chain” color pattern along their body. Like other pike and pickerel, they are ambush predators that hide and attack smaller fishes and crayfishes.