Size of Larval Northern Pike Emigrating from Spawning Wetlands

ABSTRACT We collected larval northern pike (Esox lucius) in spawning wetlands and adjacent deepwater habitat during the springs of 1993 and 1994. Larval northern pike began to emigrate from spawning wetlands at sizes as small as 14.0 mm TL; however, they remained in close proximity to spawning wetlands until reaching sizes of 50 mm TL or greater. The initial emigration began before larvae became cannibalistic, and larger larvae emigrated before smaller ones indicating that intraspecific aggression probably does not play a role in this stage of emigration. Samples later in the spring indicated that some larvae either delayed emigration or returned to deeper parts of spawning wetlands. Transitional habitats may be important for survival of young of the year northern pike.