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633 Featured Specimen
Muskellunge

Details

Muskellunge

Esox masquinongy

Size
0.7–1.8 m · 2–32 kg
Diet
Carnivore
Activity
Cathemeral
Sociality
Solitary
Lifespan

A large North American pike of lakes and big rivers, with a long body, sharp teeth, and a role as a top freshwater predator.

Range

Habitat range map
Native range Occasional / Transient
NearcticNearcticNearcticNearcticNearcticNearcticNearcticNearcticNearcticNearcticNearcticNearcticNearcticNearcticNearcticNearcticNearcticNearcticNearcticNearcticNearcticNearcticNearcticNearcticNearcticNearcticNearcticNearcticNearcticNearcticNearcticNearcticNearcticNearcticNearcticNearcticNearcticNearcticNearcticNearcticNearctic

Map: Ecoregions 2017 © RESOLVE (CC BY 4.0) · Natural Earth (PD)

Details

Habitat

Occurs around the Great Lakes and Mississippi basin in lakes, rivers, and wetlands, often using edges between weedy shallows and deeper water.

Appearance

The body is long and greenish brown to silvery, with spots or bars. The mouth is large and lined with strong canine-like teeth.

Behavior

Usually solitary, it ambushes prey from weeds, logs, or drop-offs and shifts between shallow and deeper water with season.

Feeding

It mainly eats fish, but may also take frogs, small mammals, and waterbirds, swallowing large prey whole.

Reproduction

Spawning occurs in spring in shallow vegetated bays or marshes. Eggs are scattered over plants or bottom material, with little parental care.

Notes

Often called muskie, it is a prized sport fish. Slow growth makes protection of large adults important in managed populations.