Pike attack on Phoenix Lake: swan chicks devoured in front of the spectators!

Pike attack on Phoenix Lake: swan chicks devoured in front of the spectators!

On Whitsun weekend 2025, events at Phoenix Lake in Dortmund worried many walkers and nature lovers. Three swan chicks disappeared without a trace, which could be attributed to the aggressive predatory fish in the waters. A photographer, André Rosendahl, witnessed the shocking incident when one of the chicks was dragged underwater. Suspicion quickly fell on a pike, as experts from the Nature Conservation Association confirmed. Pike, known for their impressive size and power, can grow up to 1.50 meters long and weigh up to 30 kilograms. They enjoy a dietary preference for smaller creatures, including waterfowl chicks.

The ecologically important predator, the northern pike, was deliberately introduced into Phoenix Lake to maintain balance in the ecosystem. Ruhr24 reports that a 2017 analysis identified 17 pike in the lake, making them the third most common fish species in the body of water. These predatory fish are important in regulating fish populations to prevent overpopulation of smaller species that could threaten water quality.

A shock for nature lovers

The incident came as a shock to many and left an uneasy feeling. André Rosendahl described how he photographed the accident when he first suspected it was a catfish, until the NABU experts, under the guidance of Wolfhard Koth-Hohmann, explained to him that it was probably a pike. This presence of pike in Phoenix Lake is not new and their attacks on chicks, although rare, are not exceptional either. The riparian area work, which has been underway since May 12, 2025, also limits human access and could impact viewing opportunities.

Phoenix Lake, which measures 4.5 meters at its deepest point, offers an excellent environment for predatory fish. In addition to pike, perch and various species of white fish, such as bream and roach, also live here. Such biodiversity is not only an incentive for anglers, but also an important basis for the quality of aquatic life.

Ecosystem in balance

Efforts to regulate fish populations in Lake Phoenix are part of a broader strategy to preserve the ecosystem. The West mentions that such measures are important to ensure the vitality of the water. This also includes avoiding overpopulation, which could have a negative impact on water quality. Such interventions are intended to ensure that the waters are optimally preserved not only for fish, but also for water birds.

The surprising incidents at Phoenix Lake make it clear that natural habitats always offer a little excitement - be it in the form of swan chicks or the sheer power of the predatory fish that are often overlooked in such urban waters. While nature unfolds in its cycles, the spectacle at Phoenix Lake remains a fascinating one right on our doorstep.

For those interested in ecological balance and biodiversity solutions, it is also exciting to see how climate change could affect future aquatic relationships. Another important aspect is explained in an article about biodiversity and aquatic habitats, where the focus is on the influence of temperature changes on water quality and living creatures. Eawag provides exciting insights into this.