[4][full citation needed] This species is known to have an elongated slender body with a flattened head and a large mouth which is well suited for prey.

These species can be distinguished based on regional distribution, weight and minor differences in appearance such as number of scales and rays.

[7] Its natural distribution includes low and middle elevation run of the Sacramento-San Joaquin Province, the Clear Lake Basin and the Pajaro-Salinas and Russian river systems.

The diet of Sacramento pikeminnow is diversified including freshwater and estuarine invertebrates and fish species.

Both are opportunistic feeders that prey on seasonally available food including chinook salmon, minnows and sculpins.

[11] After hatching the larvae disperse by means of water flow and rapidly seek suitable habitat in the backwaters.

Juveniles that migrate to the delta grow faster than those in the tributary habitats especially in spring and early summer.

[5] In the warm springtime months of April and May, males look for suitable spawning habitat by swimming upstream.

[13] The community around Lake Pillsbury holds an annual sport reward Pikeminnow Derby awarding prizes to anglers who catch the largest, the smallest and most fishes.

[14] There has been evidence suggesting that pikeminnows have been a primary food source for otters along the San Francisco Eel River.

[14] Photographic evidence suggests that river otters can play a role in controlling the invasive pikeminnow populations.

Large-scale elimination efforts and projects by the California department of Fish and wildlife have been futile and unsuccessful as of yet.

[15] The Sacramento pikeminnow competes with other native species such as the Central Coast Steelhead for habitat and prey on young trout.

[16] In the Morro Bay region, rainbow or steelhead trout and California red legged frog are common prey for pikeminnows.