Details
Esox masquinongy
A large North American pike of lakes and big rivers, with a long body, sharp teeth, and a role as a top freshwater predator.
Map: Ecoregions 2017 © RESOLVE (CC BY 4.0) · Natural Earth (PD)
Occurs around the Great Lakes and Mississippi basin in lakes, rivers, and wetlands, often using edges between weedy shallows and deeper water.
The body is long and greenish brown to silvery, with spots or bars. The mouth is large and lined with strong canine-like teeth.
Usually solitary, it ambushes prey from weeds, logs, or drop-offs and shifts between shallow and deeper water with season.
It mainly eats fish, but may also take frogs, small mammals, and waterbirds, swallowing large prey whole.
Spawning occurs in spring in shallow vegetated bays or marshes. Eggs are scattered over plants or bottom material, with little parental care.
Often called muskie, it is a prized sport fish. Slow growth makes protection of large adults important in managed populations.
