Muskellunge

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Muskellunge (Muskie)
Esox masquinongyeditcrop.jpg
Status TNC G5.svg
Secure  (NatureServe) [2]
Scientific classification OOjs UI icon edit-ltr.svg
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Actinopterygii
Order: Esociformes
Family: Esocidae
Genus: Esox
Species:
E. masquinongy
Binomial name
Esox masquinongy
Mitchill, 1824

The muskellunge (Esox masquinongy), often shortened to muskie,musky, ski, or lunge, is a species of large freshwater predatory fish native to North America. It is the largest member of the pike family, Esocidae.

Contents

Origin of name

The name "muskellunge" originates from the Ojibwe words maashkinoozhe meaning "great fish", mji-gnoozhe,maskinoše, or mashkinonge, meaning "bad pike", "big pike", or "ugly pike [3] " respectively. The Algonquin word maskinunga is borrowed into the Canadian French words masquinongé or maskinongé. In English, before settling on the common name "muskellunge", there were at least 94 common names [4] applied to this species, including but not limited to: muskelunge, muscallonge, muskallonge, milliganong, maskinonge, maskalonge, mascalonge, maskalung, muskinunge and masquenongez. [5]

Description

A spotted muskellunge caught in Lake St. Clair during winter. Great Lakes Muskie.jpg
A spotted muskellunge caught in Lake St. Clair during winter.

Muskellunge closely resemble other esocids such as the northern pike (Esox lucius) and American pickerel (E. americanus) in both appearance and behavior. Like the northern pike and other aggressive pikes, the body plan is typical of ambush predators with an elongated body, flat head, and dorsal, pelvic, and anal fins set far back on the body. Muskellunge are typically 70–120 cm (28–48 inches) long and weigh 7–16.5 kg (15–36 lb), [6] though some have reached up to 1.8 m (6 ft) and almost 30 kg (70 lb). [7] Martin Arthur Williamson caught a muskellunge with a weight of 27.8 kg (61.25 pounds) in November 2000 on Georgian Bay. [8] The fish are a light silver, brown, or green, with dark vertical stripes on the flank, which may tend to break up into spots. In some cases, markings may be absent altogether, especially in fish from turbid waters. This is in contrast to northern pike, which have dark bodies with light markings. A reliable method to distinguish the two similar species is by counting the sensory pores on the underside of the mandible. A muskie will have seven or more per side, while the northern pike never has more than six. The lobes of the caudal (tail) fin in muskellunge come to a sharper point, while those of northern pike are more generally rounded. In addition, unlike pike, muskies have no scales on the lower half of their opercula.[ citation needed ]

Anglers seek large muskies as trophies or for sport. [9] In places where muskie are not native, such as in Maine, anglers are encouraged not to release the fish back into the water because of their negative impact on native populations of trout and other smaller fish species. [10]

Habitat

Muskellunge are found in oligotrophic and mesotrophic lakes and large rivers from northern Michigan, northern Wisconsin, and northern Minnesota through the Great Lakes region, Chautauqua Lake in western New York, north into Canada, throughout most of the St Lawrence River drainage, and northward throughout the upper Mississippi valley, although the species also extends as far south as Chattanooga in the Tennessee River valley. Also, a small population is found in the Broad River in South Carolina. Several North Georgia reservoirs also have healthy stocked populations of muskie. They are also found in the Red River drainage of the Hudson Bay basin. Muskie were introduced to western Saint John River in the late 1960s and have now spread to many connecting waterways in northern Maine. [11] The Pineview Reservoir in Utah is one of three Utah locations where the hybrid Tiger muskellunge is found.[ citation needed ]

They prefer clear waters where they lurk along weed edges, rock outcrops, or other structures to rest. A fish forms two distinct home ranges in summer: a shallow range and a deeper one. The shallow range is generally much smaller than the deeper range due to shallow water heating up. A muskie continually patrols the ranges in search of available food in the appropriate conditions of water temperature.[ citation needed ]

Diet

Muskies are ambush predators who will swiftly bite their prey and then swallow it head first. Muskellunge are the top predator in any body of water where they occur and they will eat larger prey than most other freshwater fish. [12] They eat all varieties of fish present in their ecosystem (including other muskellunge), along with the occasional insect, [12] muskrat, rat, mouse, [12] frog, or duck. They are capable of taking prey up to two-thirds of their body length due to their large stomachs. [13] There have even been reports of large muskellunge attacking small dogs and even humans, although most of these reports are greatly exaggerated. [12]

Length and weight

Graph showing weight-length relationship for muskellunge Muskellunge weight length graph.jpg
Graph showing weight–length relationship for muskellunge

As muskellunge grow longer they increase in weight, but the relationship between length and weight is not linear. The relationship between them can be expressed by a power-law equation:

The exponent b is close to 3.0 for all species, and c is a constant for each species. For muskellunge, b = 3.325, higher than for many common species, and c = 0.000089 pounds per cubic inch or 0.0025 g/cm3. [14]

According to the International Game Fish Association (IGFA) the largest muskellunge on record was caught by Cal Johnson in Lac Courte Oreilles (recognized as Lake Courte Oreilles by the association), Hayward, Wisconsin, United States, on July 24, 1949. The fish weighed 30.5 kg (67 lb 8 oz) and was 153 cm (60.25 inches) in length, and 84–86 cm (33–34 inches) in girth. [15] [16] [17]

Behavior

Illustration of a Muskellunge Muskellunge USFWS.jpg
Illustration of a Muskellunge

Muskellunge are sometimes gregarious, forming small schools in distinct territories. Muskellunge feeding behavior is directly synchronized with the lunar cycle. During both full and new moons, an increase in feeding activity can be attributed to the increase of moonlight, as it most similarly simulates daytime feeding. [18] They spawn in mid- to late spring, somewhat later than northern pike, over shallow, vegetated areas. A rock or sand bottom is preferred for spawning so the eggs do not sink into the mud and suffocate. The males arrive first and attempt to establish dominance over a territory. Spawning may last from five to 10 days and occurs mainly at night. The eggs are negatively buoyant and slightly adhesive; they adhere to plants and the bottom of the lake. Soon afterward, they are abandoned by the adults. Those embryos which are not eaten by fish, insects, or crayfish hatch within two weeks. The larvae live on yolk until the mouth is fully developed, when they begin to feed on copepods and other zooplankton. They soon begin to prey upon fish. Juveniles generally attain a length of 30 cm (12 inches) by November of their first year.[ citation needed ]

Predators

Adult muskellunge are apex predators where they occur naturally. Only humans and (rarely) large birds of prey such as bald eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) pose a threat to an adult. [19] But juveniles are consumed by other muskies, northern pike, bass, trout, and occasionally birds of prey. The muskellunge's low reproductive rate and slow growth render populations highly vulnerable to overfishing. This has prompted some jurisdictions to institute artificial propagation programs in an attempt to maintain otherwise unsustainably high rates of angling effort and habitat destruction.[ citation needed ]

Subspecies and hybrids

Though interbreeding with other pike species can complicate the classification of some individuals, zoologists usually recognize up to three subspecies of muskellunge. [20]

The tiger muskellunge (E. masquinongy × lucius or E. lucius × masquinongy) is a hybrid of the muskie and northern pike. Hybrids are sterile, although females sometimes unsuccessfully engage in spawning motions. Some hybrids are artificially produced and planted for anglers to catch. Tiger muskies grow faster than pure muskies, but do not attain the ultimate size of their pure relatives, as the tiger muskie does not live as long.[ citation needed ]

Attacks on humans

Although very rare, muskie attacks on humans do occur on occasion. [21] [22] [23]

Related Research Articles

The American pickerel is a medium-sized species of North American freshwater predatory fish belonging to the pike family. The genus Esox is placed in family Esocidae in order Esociformes).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Northern pike</span> Species of fish

The northern pike is a species of carnivorous fish of the genus Esox (pikes). They are commonly found in moderately salty and fresh waters of the Northern Hemisphere. They are known simply as a pike in Great Britain, Ireland, most of Eastern Europe, Canada and the U.S., although in the Midwest, they may be called a Northern.

<i>Esox</i> Genus of fishes

Esox is a genus of freshwater fish commonly known as pike or pickerel. It is the type genus of the family Esocidae. The type species of the genus is Esox lucius, the northern pike.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tiger muskellunge</span> Hybrid fish

The tiger muskellunge, commonly called tiger muskie, is a carnivorous fish, and is the usually sterile, hybrid offspring of the true muskellunge and the northern pike. It lives in fresh water and its range extends to Canada, the Northeast, and the Midwest United States. It grows quickly; in one study, tiger muskie grew 1.5 times as fast as muskellunge. Like other hybrid species, tiger muskie are said to have "hybrid vigor," meaning they grow faster and stronger than the parent fish, and are also less susceptible to disease. Trophy specimens weigh about 14 kg (30 lb). Its main diet is fish and small birds. The tiger muskie and the muskie are called the fish of 10,000 casts due to the challenge involved in catching them.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bluegill</span> Species of fish

The bluegill, sometimes referred to as "bream", "brim", "sunny", or, as is common in Texas, "copper nose", is a species of North American freshwater fish, native to and commonly found in streams, rivers, lakes, ponds and wetlands east of the Rocky Mountains. It is the type species of the genus Lepomis, from the family Centrarchidae in the order Perciformes.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lehigh River</span> River in Pennsylvania, United States

The Lehigh River is a 109-mile-long (175 km) tributary of the Delaware River in eastern Pennsylvania. The river flows in a generally southward pattern from the Pocono Mountains in Northeastern Pennsylvania through Allentown and much of the Lehigh Valley before joining the Delaware River in Easton.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Chain pickerel</span> Species of freshwater fish

The chain pickerel is a species of freshwater fish in the pike family of order Esociformes. The chain pickerel and the American pickerel belong to the Esox genus of pike.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Zander</span> Species of fish

The zander, sander or pikeperch, is a species of ray-finned fish from the family Percidae, which also includes perch, ruffe and darter. It is found in freshwater and brackish habitats in western Eurasia. It is a popular game fish and has been introduced to a variety of localities outside its native range. It is the type species of the genus Sander.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Rock bass</span> Species of freshwater fish

The rock bass, also known as the rock perch, goggle-eye, red eye, and black perch, is a freshwater fish native to east-central North America. This red-eyed fish is a species of freshwater fish in the sunfish family (Centrarchidae) of order Perciformes and can be distinguished from other similar species by the six spines in the anal fin.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Amur pike</span> Species of fish

The Amur pike, also known as the blackspotted pike, is a pike native to the Amur River system in east Asia, as well as freshwater habitat on the island of Sakhalin. Closely related to the northern pike, it reaches a length of 115 cm, a weight of 12.5 kg (28 lb), sporting a silvery body with small, black spots. Like other pike, this species is prized for sport fishing.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Longnose sucker</span> Species of fish

The longnose sucker is a species of cypriniform freshwater fish in the family Catostomidae. It is native to North America from the northern United States to the top of the continent. It is also found in Russia in rivers of eastern Siberia, and this one of only two species of sucker native to Asia.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Shorthead redhorse</span> Species of fish

The shorthead redhorse is a wide-ranging species in North America. The shorthead redhorse is native to central and eastern North America. However, its range has expanded to include areas like the Hudson estuary and Grayson County, Texas. It inhabits small to large rivers and lakes, and lives in the benthic zone. Shorthead redhorse feed on benthic invertebrates and can consume plant material from the benthic environment that it inhabits. When it spawns, shorthead redhorse move into more shallow streams and spawn over gravel or rocky shoals. They will also spawn in springs with swift moving water. The shorthead redhorse is important to humans because it is a game fish. It is also important to anglers because of its role in the ecosystem; it is prey for larger game fish such as northern pike and muskellunge.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Northern hogsucker</span> Species of fish

The northern hogsucker is a freshwater ray-finned fish belonging to the family Catostomidae, the suckers. It is native to the United States and Canada where it is found in streams and rivers. It prefers clear, fast-flowing water, where it can forage on the riverbed for crustaceans, mollusks, aquatic insects, algae and detritus. It turns over small pebbles and scrapes materials off rocks and sucks up the particles, and other species of fish sometimes station themselves downstream from its activities. In addition this species also is common in flowing water near dams and other streams of water. Breeding takes place on gravel bottoms in shallow riffles in late spring. This fish is susceptible to such man-made disturbances as channelization, sedimentation, pollution, and dam construction. However, it has a wide range and is a common species so the International Union for Conservation of Nature has rated its conservation status as being of "least concern". This species only gets around 8-12 inches in length but given the right conditions can exceed 16 inches in length and even exceed a pound in weight. The Northern Hogsucker is typically a bronze to gold coloration with patches of brown and black on its body. It has brownish grayish eyes. It’s dorsal and pectoral fins are a dark brown color with the dorsal fin having a small bit of red on it as well. The northern hogsucker and other sucker minnow species have been seen in memes due to the unusual appearance of their mouths.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Pete Maina</span>

Pete Maina is an author, professional muskellunge (muskie) angler, professional photographer, TV show host, professional speaker and former magazine owner. Maina's specialty is muskie fishing, and has advocated for conservation of the muskie species. Maina resides in Hayward, Wisconsin.

<i>Esox cisalpinus</i> Species of fish

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">White sucker</span> Species of fish

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Redfin pickerel</span> Subspecies of fish

The redfin pickerel is a subspecies of freshwater fish belonging to the pike family (Esocidae) of the order Esociformes. Not to be confused with its close relatives, the grass pickerel and the chain pickerel, this fish is unique in the fact that it has brightly colored red fins. Like all pikes, the redfin pickerel is an ambush predator, lying amongst thick vegetation in wait for smaller, more agile prey to enter within its range of attack.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Maskinongé River</span> River in Quebec, Canada

The Maskinongé River is located north of the administrative region of Lanaudière and west of the administrative region of Mauricie, in Quebec, in Canada.

<i>Triaenophorus nodulosus</i> Species of tapeworm

Triaenophorus nodulosus, the pike tapeworm, is a species of parasitic cestode (tapeworm) in the family Triaenophoridae. It is known to infect the northern pike, as well as other piscivorous fish, being found in the intestine of its host. It has been found in North America, Europe and England.

References

  1. NatureServe (2013). "Esox masquinongy". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species . 2013: e.T202401A15363615. doi: 10.2305/IUCN.UK.2013-1.RLTS.T202401A15363615.en . Retrieved November 18, 2021.
  2. "Esox masquinongy". NatureServe Explorer. Retrieved April 17, 2024.
  3. Pete D. (October 11, 2020). "U.S. Angler". USAngler. Archived from the original on December 16, 2019.
  4. "The muskellunge – What's in a name?". Muskies Canada. 2019.
  5. Froese, Rainer; Pauly, Daniel (eds.). "Esox masquinongy". FishBase . February 2023 version.
  6. "DNR - Muskellunge, Esox masquinongy". Michigan.gov. Retrieved December 30, 2017.
  7. Froese, Rainer; Pauly, Daniel (eds.). "Esox masquinongy". FishBase . September 2011 version.
  8. "Martin Arthur Williamson - Muskellunge".
  9. Heiting, Steve (March 20, 2014). "Tactics for Fishing Early-Season Muskies". Outdoor Life Magazine. Retrieved April 24, 2017.
  10. "Illegal Fish Introductions in Maine". Archived from the original on February 22, 2018. Retrieved April 23, 2013.
  11. "MUSKELLUNGE MANAGEMENT PLAN". Maine.gov. Retrieved August 11, 2013.
  12. 1 2 3 4 "Esox masquinongy". Animal Diveresity.
  13. Simonson, Tim. "Muskellunge (Esox masquinongy)" (PDF). Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. Archived (PDF) from the original on August 25, 2014. Retrieved April 17, 2018.
  14. Anderson, Richard O.; Neumann, Robert M. (1996). "Length, Weight, and Associated Structural Indices". In Murphy, Brian E.; Willis, David W. (eds.). Fisheries Techniques (2 ed.). Bethesda, MD: American Fisheries Society. ISBN   1-888569-00-X.
  15. "IGFA World Records". International Game Fish Association. Retrieved March 9, 2019.
  16. "Cal Johnson's World Record Catch". www.caljohnson.net. Retrieved March 9, 2019.
  17. "Cal Johnson's Own story". www.musky.com. Retrieved March 9, 2019.
  18. Vinson, Mark R.; Angradi, Ted R. (May 28, 2014). "Muskie Lunacy: Does the Lunar Cycle Influence Angler Catch of Muskellunge (Esox masquinongy)?". PLOS ONE. 9 (5): e98046. Bibcode:2014PLoSO...998046V. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0098046 . ISSN   1932-6203. PMC   4037224 . PMID   24871329.
  19. "St. Croix surprise: Bald eagle reels in large muskie". Pioneer Press. August 16, 2019. Retrieved August 9, 2022.
  20. Grant, UW Sea. "Fish and Fisheries". Seagrant.wisc.edu. Retrieved December 30, 2017.
  21. Unger, Danton (July 31, 2020) [Originally published 30 July 2020]. "CTV News: 'I came back up screaming': Winnipeg woman recovering after gruesome Muskie attack". CTV News. Retrieved April 11, 2023.
  22. Musky Attacks Manitoba Woman (Full Interview). July 31, 2020. Archived from the original on December 11, 2021 via YouTube.
  23. Matthew Lapierre (July 4, 2024). "A boy needed stitches after swimming in a man-made lake in Montreal. Did a fish attack him?". CBC News.