The Virtual Aquarium of Virginia Tech--Pikes

Muskellunge, Esox masquinongy

 
Physical Description: 
ï¿½	Elongate, somewhat deep, slightly compressed body
ï¿½	Pattern of dark bars, spots, or both on a pale background on its side
ï¿½	Median fins are spotted or streaked 
ï¿½	Single dorsal and anal fins are far posterior on the body, the tail is forked with pointed tips
ï¿½	Head slopes to a point; jaws are long and duckbill-shaped, with a slight underbite
ï¿½	Terminal mouth with sharp teeth 

Similar species: 
ï¿½	Northern pike (Esox lucius)

Mean body size:
ï¿½	Adults are 700-1300 mm total length

Habitat:
ï¿½	Lakes, reservoirs, and slow-moving parts of rivers in cover
 
Distribution in VA:
ï¿½	Stocked in the New, Big Sandy, Clinch, and Tennessee River drainages

Food Habits:  
ï¿½	Young fish eat microcrustaceans and insects 
ï¿½	Adult diet is almost entirely fish

Reproductive Habits: 
ï¿½	Mature between the ages of 3 and 5
ï¿½	Females usually larger than males
ï¿½	Spawning occurs mid-April to late-May or early-June at 9.5-15.5ï¿½C
ï¿½	Spawning occurs in shallows of streams and lakes in groups with one female and one to three males
ï¿½	Fecundity is 10,000-250,000 eggs per female

Population Status, Economic, or Ecological Importance: 
ï¿½	Muskellunge are considered by some to be the ultimate challenge in freshwater fishing
ï¿½	Musky is good to eat 

References:       

Jenkins, R.E and N.M. Burkhead. 1993. Freshwater Fishes of Virginia. American Fisheries Society, Bethesda, Maryland.

If you are seeking more information for the above species click on the VAFWIS logo (The Virginia Fish and Wildlife Information Service):

Chain Pickerel

Muskellunge

Northern Pike

Redfin Pike

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