16 Nebraskaland • January-February 2021
IN THE FIELD
PHOTO
BY
JUSTIN
HAAG
When people say something is needed like a
"hole in the head," usually it is to express it is
unnecessary or frivolous. Some predatory fish may
take exception to that notion, however.
The northern pike (Esox lucius) has many
physical characteristics that make it stand out from
other species. With a long toothy snout and tube-
like, green camouflaged body, it is to no surprise
that people have nicknamed this fish the "gator."
Perhaps less noticeable on that head is a series of
holes, or pores, that are important to its survival
and predatory ways.
Complementing the pike's razor-sharp teeth,
forward-positioned eyes and athletic body, is the
fish's lateral line that helps it detect movement,
vibrations and pressure gradients. All fish have
some form of this system, but those pores, which
have tiny hairs, make a pike's lateral line more
effective at detecting movement than most other
species. Such attributes of the lateral line are
referred to as neuromasts.
Another less common but highly sought-after
Nebraska predatory fish, the muskellunge (Esox
masquinongy), also has such pores on its lateral
line. In fact, muskies have about double the number
of holes — a characteristic that helps give it an
edge on the prey when hunting at night.
Whenever landing one of these popular game
fish, anglers can probably thank the holes on its
head for helping the fish find its way to the hook.
By Justin Haag
HOLEY HUNTER
