The tiger muskellunge, aka tiger muskie, is the typically sterile, hybrid offspring of the true muskellunge and the northern pike. These fish can be found from eastern Canada to northeastern and midwestern United States. They face the threats of habitat division at the hands of dams and other water management techniques; invasive species, that can result in predation; water pollution; land pollution; and disease. These fish, however, are abundant enough to be listed as Least Concern by the IUCN. Their population trend is listed as stable.
First the Stats…
Scientific name: Esox masquinongy or Esox lucius
Weight: Up to 51+ lbs.
Length: Up to 40 inches
Lifespan: Up to 30 years
Now on to the Facts!
1.) “Hybrid vigor” exists in these fish. This means that they grow faster and stronger than the parent fish, and are also less susceptible to disease.
2.) They are often coined the fish of 10,000 casts due to the challenges involved in catching them.
3.) Their preferred habitats are lakes and slower moving rivers.
4.) Fish, crayfish, frogs, young waterfowl, muskrats, mice, voles, moles, squirrels, and rats are all on the menu.
5.) These fish do best in water temperatures between 68°F – 75°F. Below these ranges their growth rate slows down. Above these ranges cannibalism occurs.
But wait, there’s more on the tiger muskellunge!
6.) Catching these critters is usually done by trolling at speeds of up to 6 mph.
7.) They are regularly stocked in many lakes, and people go to great lengths to land one, but they are not an easy fish to catch.
Did you know…?
The current International Game Fish Association (IGFA) all-tackle world record tiger muskie weighed in at 51.3 lbs. An individual that was caught on July 16, 1919, by John Knobla at Lac Vieux-Desert, Michigan.
8.) Contrary to many other hybrid species of fish, tiger muskies are sterile.
9.) These fish are diurnal (active during the day).
10.) While juveniles are preyed on by larger muskies, pike, bass, trout, eagles, and aquatic insects, adults have no natural predators.
Now a Short Tiger Muskellunge Video!
This video talks about muskellunges in general.
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Some source material acquired from: Wikipedia & IUCN
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