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Norther Pikeminnow(Ptychocheilus oregonensis) |
The northern pikeminnow or "squawfish", has a dark green or green-brown back, and a white/cream abdomen. The head is relatively long, approximately 22% to 23% of the total length. The eyes of adults are small. Its tail is distinctly forked. The fins are clear, however males display yellow/orange lower fins during spawning periods. Mature individuals generally have a rounded belly. Average size ranges between 30cm to 50cm or two to four pounds. However sizes up to 25 pounds have been recorded, and are generally found in large lakes.
Spawning periods of northern pikeminnow occur between May and July. They generally spawn in shallow gravel riverbed, along the lake shore or river bank. The fish tend to gather in large numbers, and each female will spawn with more than one male. The eggs are released near the bottom, and will settle on the ground eventually. The eggs will hatch in a week. Sexual maturation is reached in six years when they are about a foot long. Squawfish are generally scavengers, and their diet ranges from small insects to salmonoid fries and large shiners.
