Northern Pikeminnow (Ptychocheilus oregonensis)

Least Concern (LC) Federally Protected

Northern Pikeminnow
Ptychocheilus oregonensis

Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Actinopterygii
Order: Cypriniformes
Family: Cyprinidae
Genus: Ptychocheilus
Species: P. oregonensis

In Nevada

Native

In Nevada, northern pikeminnow are native to the Lahontan basin in the western part of the state, including the Humboldt River system and tributaries of Pyramid Lake and Walker Lake. Historically more abundant, populations have declined due to habitat alteration and competition with introduced species. The Nevada Department of Wildlife monitors remaining populations in select waters of the Lahontan drainage.

The northern pikeminnow is one of the largest native minnows in North America and a native resident of Montana waters west of the Continental Divide. Despite being toothless, it is an effective and voracious predator, with a large mouth that extends past the eye and an elongated, pike-like body. Its back is dark greenish with silvery sides and a white to cream abdomen; young fish display a prominent dark spot at the base of the tail. In Montana, weights of over 7 pounds have been recorded. The northern pikeminnow is a polarizing species — some anglers regard it as a nuisance due to its predation on young trout and salmon, while others appreciate it as a scrappy sport fish on light tackle. It is native to the Clark Fork, Flathead, and other Columbia River tributary drainages in western Montana.