Northern Pikeminnow/Northern Squawfish
Ptychocheilus oregonensis

Northern Pikeminnow ©William H. Mullins/Photo Researchers, Inc. Courtesy of eNature

Species description provided by eNature
Description
10–24". Slender; pike-like. Gray-green above; sides silver; lateral line arches downward. Head and snout long, flattened; mouth large; jaws of equal length; lacks barbels. Fins yellowish; 1 triangular dorsal fin; tail fin forked; ventral fins reddish in old males.

Habitat
Lakes, pools, rivers.

Range
Snake and Columbia R. basins of n, c, and sw ID; nw MT.

Similar Species
Colorado Squawfish (P. lucius; 3–5') similar; endangered; occurs in flowing rivers of upper Colorado Basin.

Discussion
The northern pikeminnow (formerly known as the northern squawfish) is a member of the carp and minnow family (family Cyprinidae). Cyprinidae, the largest family of fishes in the world, has approximately 275 genera and 1,600 species worldwide, including 211 species that occur in North America. It also has the most extensive continuous distribution of any family of freshwater fishes: Cyprinids occur throughout North America, Europe, Asia, and Africa, but are absent from South America. They are characterized by jaws without teeth, the absence of an adipose fin, and the presence of cycloid scales.