any of several North American pikes, family Esocidae, distinguished from the related muskellunge and northern pike by its smaller size, completely scaled cheeks and gill covers, and banded or chainlike markings. The chain pickerel (Esox niger) grows to about 0.6 metre (2 feet) and a weight of 1.4 to 1.8 kilograms (3 to 4 pounds). The barred pickerel (E. americanus) and the grass pickerel (E. vermiculatus) are smaller species reaching a maximum weight of about 0.5 kilograms. See also pike.