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.

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, which is borrowed into the Canadian French words masquinongé or maskinongé. In English, before settling on the common name "muskellunge", there have been 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]

Related Research Articles

The American pickerels are two subspecies of Esox americanus, a medium-sized species of North American freshwater predatory fish belonging to the pike family :

<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

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<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

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<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

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

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

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<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.

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

The brook stickleback is a small freshwater fish that is distributed across the US and Canada. It grows to a length of about 2 inches. It occupies the northern part of the eastern United States, as well as the southern half of Canada. Small populations are scattered throughout the Mississippi-Great Lakes basin extending to Colorado, New Mexico, Kentucky, Tennessee, etc., though some of these areas are not native to the species. This small fish inhabits clear, cool streams and lakes. They eat small invertebrates, algae, insect larvae, and occasionally their own eggs. They are also preyed upon by smallmouth bass and northern pike. Feeding time is usually dawn and sunset. The brook stickleback does have active competition mostly from minnows, but feeding times are different, along with diet. Spawning occurs in midsummer. Males secure a territory, build a nest, and mate with females. Males provide protection for the eggs, ward off predators, and usually die later in the season. This is considered an annual species. The nests are built out of aquatic grasses. Though the brook stickleback is not considered a threatened species, deforesting and changing waters are altering ecosystems of the species. Harvesting of trees around riparian environments is having a large effect of the stream ecosystem where the brook stickleback resides.

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

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

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References

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  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.) (2023). "Esox masquinongy" in FishBase . February 2023 version.
  6. "DNR - Muskellunge, Esox masquinongy". Michigan.gov. Retrieved December 30, 2017.
  7. Froese, Rainer; Pauly, Daniel (eds.) (2011). "Esox masquinongy" in FishBase . 9 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" . 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.