Sacramento Pike (Ptychocheilus oregonensis) by John L. Petrie, 1898

John L. Petrie’s The Sacramento Pike, Squaw’s-fish or Yellow belly, Ptychocheilus oregonensis (1898) captures a native North American fish with the crisp authority of Victorian scientific art. Made for William C. Harris’s celebrated The Fishes of North America, Petrie’s chromolithograph reflects the late‑19th‑century passion for cataloguing wildlife with painterly finesse and anatomical precision. The specimen is shown in profile against a pale ground, its streamlined body, glassy eye, and subtly modeled scales rendered with a lifelike sheen that bridges science and art.

This listing offers a finely crafted reproduction as a high‑quality fine art print on acid‑free archival paper or as a gallery‑ready artist’s cotton canvas. The Unique Maps Co. produces each print to order, with a range of sizes, optional framing, and tasteful personalization or customization—ideal for pairing with a title plate, dedication, or specific margins to suit your space.

About the artist: John L. Petrie was among the skilled illustrators who helped define American ichthyological art at the turn of the century. Working closely with Harris, he translated field observations and museum specimens into images of exceptional clarity, using the refined techniques of chromolithography to layer color with faithful subtlety. His plates are prized today for their blend of scientific accuracy and decorative appeal.

About the subject: This plate documents the fish historically known as the Sacramento Pike—also called “Yellow belly,” and by the period label “Squaw’s‑fish” (a term now recognized as outdated and not used today)—with its scientific name clearly printed as Ptychocheilus oregonensis. The late‑Victorian drive to map and understand North America’s fauna underpins the image: it served anglers, naturalists, and educators alike, embodying the era’s confidence that careful depiction could illuminate the continent’s rivers and lakes. As a result, the print stands as both a record of a native species and a window into the history of American natural history publishing.

Color, style, and why it belongs on your wall: The palette centers on fresh green along the dorsum, shifting to warm orange notes through the belly and lateral line, with vivid red suffusing the fins; deep blacks lend crisp definition to the silhouette and scales. The smooth, layered surface of the chromolithograph produces a soft lustre that suggests wet skin and reflective light, while the uncluttered background throws every fin ray and scale into focus. The composition’s gentle diagonal and elongated form create a graceful rhythm that suits studies, libraries, lake houses, and modern interiors alike—anywhere you want natural history to read as both art and evidence.

Whether you’re celebrating an angler’s achievement, delighting a natural history enthusiast, marking a housewarming near the coast or river, or choosing an elegant Christmas, Father’s Day, or Mother’s Day gift, this Victorian zoological illustration makes a thoughtful and timeless choice. It’s a striking conversation piece for anyone who has explored the waterways of the American West or appreciates the beauty of classic scientific art.

If you're not sure what size to order, or you're looking for a custom order of some kind – a different size, a different colour, a special frame – then please contact me. I usually respond within a few minutes.

You can see an example of my fine art personalisation service in the fifth image. Zoom in and take a look. My personalised artwork is always very well received. Take a look at more examples of personalisation.

You can also choose to age your art print to make it look older. This is popular amongst my customers who want their artwork to look like an older, antique print. You can see an example of ageing in the sixth product image, or go ahead and check out lots of examples of other aged artwork.

The model in the listing images is holding the 36x20in (90x50cm) version of this art print.

I can print and frame this beautiful piece of art at sizes up to 3 metres (10ft). If you are looking for a size or framing option that isn't available online, please get in touch.

This artwork is available as a giclée print on acid free archival matte paper, or you can buy it framed. My standard frames come in six colours (black, dark brown, dark grey, antique gold, oak and white), and custom framing is available for an additional charge. My frames are glazed with super-clear museum-grade acrylic (perspex/acrylite), which is significantly less reflective than glass, safer, and will always arrive in perfect condition.