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Swan chicks disappear: predatory fish causes a stir in Lake Phoenix!
A predatory fish incident at Phoenix Lake in Dortmund led to the killing of swan chicks, raising questions about ecological balance.
Swan chicks disappear: predatory fish causes a stir in Lake Phoenix!
On Pentecost weekend 2025, an incident at Dortmund's Phoenix Lake caused a stir and shocked some visitors. While a photographer was photographing a pair of swans with their chicks, he saw one of the chicks suddenly being dragged underwater by a predatory fish. The chick was attacked by a grayish fish that André Rosendahl initially thought was a catfish. However, a water expert from the Nature Conservation Association, Wolfhard Koth-Hohmann, pointed out that it was probably a pike. This incident not only attracts attention, but also raises questions about life in the water of Phoenix Lake.
Pike as targeted regulators
Pike are large predatory fish that are common in European fresh waters and can grow up to 1.50 meters long. They feed primarily on fish, but also attack amphibians, small mammals and bird chicks. Pike play an important role in the ecosystem as they help regulate the population of smaller fish species. This was also intended in Lake Phoenix, where the predatory fish were targeted to maintain the ecological balance and prevent overpopulation of coarse fish. An analysis of the fish population from 2017 showed that 17 pike live in Lake Phoenix, making them the third most common fish species in this body of water, as reported by Ruhr24.
Although attacks on swan chicks are rare, they are by no means unusual. Inexperienced animals are particularly vulnerable in open water. Rosendahl, who witnessed the incident, reported that none of the three chicks previously spotted are now left. This is a clear sign from nature that survival is not guaranteed even in the protected area of Lake Phoenix.
Ecological balance in focus
Phoenix Lake is not a small pond - with a maximum depth of 4.5 meters, it offers ideal living conditions for pike and other predatory fish. In addition to the pike, there are also perches and various species of white fish such as bream and roach in the water. Dortmund's Emschergenossenschaft has specifically built up the fish population in the lake in order to promote a balanced ecosystem. The presence of predatory fish actively contributes to maintaining water quality, as DerWesten highlights.
So far, the public focus has been on the construction work on the banks of Lake Phoenix, which has been underway since May 12, 2025. These measures are intended not only to increase the recreational value, but also to support and permanently secure biodiversity in the water space. So Lake Phoenix remains not only a popular place for walking and taking photos, but also an exciting biotope that follows the laws of nature and proves that life in water is full of surprises.
The book about pike-like fish of the world offers a wide range of information for anyone who wants to learn more about pike and their way of life. It ranges from the distribution and lifestyle of these fascinating predatory fish to aquaculture and fishing practices, making it a valuable guide for those interested in knowing more about these creatures Aquaculture .