where can I find information on raising northern pike?

Question

anything at all would be helpfull. thanks

Answer 1

I have a northern pike tank dream myself, though I doubt finances will ever let me realize it.

Based on their size and natural habits you would need a tank of at least 300 gallons for one. They are territorial and the size of tank for multiples would be truly massive. The tank would be a balance between open space and densely planted areas where they like to spend most of their time - this is how they hunt, they are ambushers of prey. The tank would need to include a chiller and they prefer slower moving water.

For food they would do fine on any larger fish pellet geared toward predators. - you would be able to mimic their natural diet with fish, crustaceans, frogs, and even birds or the occasional small rodent.

I don't know where you can get solid information since a fish like this isn't kept in an aquarium, but I imagine if you call a public aquarium that keeps them they could help you out - though they'll probably put more effort into convincing you not to do it.

Answer 2

See Ghapy beat me to this one. I'd say check with your state's fish and game department and see if there are any hatcheries in your state that are raising them - they would be your best source of info and more specific to your weather/climate if you're looking to keep them outdoors.

http://www.aquaria.info/modules.php?file=speciesdetails&id=1223&op=modload&name=database
http://www.fishbase.org/Summary/SpeciesSummary.php?id=258&CFID=7934111&CFTOKEN=832616