Hobbies And Interests
Size and Form
The muskellunge and tiger muskie both have a missile shape, according to the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission. The dorsal and anal fins are close to the fish's tail; the snout is shaped somewhat like the bill of a duck. Muskies and tiger muskies have many sharp teeth. The largest muskies grow to about 6 feet and weigh approximately 55 lb. Tiger muskies are smaller by comparison. For example, the Minnesota state record muskellunge, as of May 2011, weighed 54 lb.; the record tiger muskie is almost 20 lb. lighter.
Muskie Markings
The markings of a muskellunge vary in color and are not uniform between specimens. The sides and the back are normally light shades of green-gray, yellow-green or brown-olive. Vertical rows of dark spots and bars are on the flanks; this feature is more noticeable on young muskies. The muskie's belly region is white, and the fins vary from green to orange-brown. The tiger muskie takes its name from several vertical bars on its sides. Its fins have black streaks, and the belly is an off-white color.
Muskie Diets
The muskellunge and tiger muskie share similar diets. Fish is a main component of the muskie menu, and they do not hesitate to eat one another when the opportunity arises. Creatures such as frogs, ducklings, muskrats, snakes and mice fall victim to muskies. The fish's aggressive nature shows itself early; muskies as young as 4 days old have the ability to successfully attack and eat other fish. They can grow to 12 inches in as little as 120 days.
Muskie Range and Habitat
The original distribution of the muskellunge was from the St. Lawrence River region in New York and Canada and westward through the Great Lakes. The range of the fish extended into the Mississippi River basin. Muskie stocking resulted in expansion from its native range. Muskies survive in reservoirs, lakes and rivers, preferring cool waters with abundant weed cover. The tiger muskie, although it occasionally occurs naturally, is usually a stocked fish. Various states breed them and then locate them into the same types of habitats where muskies flourish. Tiger muskies males are sterile, preventing any unwanted population explosion of the species.