Fish

Muskellunge (Muskie)

(Esox masquinongy)

Species Description

**Description:** A large, slender freshwater apex predator with needle-like teeth and dark vertical bars or spots.

**Size & Weight:** 28–48 inches. Can exceed 50 inches and weigh over 30 lbs.

**Sexual Dimorphism:** Females are significantly larger and live longer than males.

**Conservation:** Common; a highly prized "trophy" game fish in the Allegheny Reservoir.

**Habitat:** Ambush predators that hide in thick weed beds and sunken timber.

**Behavior:** Known as the "Fish of ten thousand casts" due to its elusive nature.

💡 Fun Facts

Muskies are so aggressive they have been seen attacking shadows on the water or even small birds.
A Muskie can eat a prey fish that is 30% of its own body length!
Muskies are known as "water wolves" because they are apex predators that will eat almost anything that fits in their mouth, including ducks, muskrats, and large fish.
They are highly territorial and often remain in the exact same 100-yard stretch of the reservoir for their entire adult lives.
A Muskie has sensory pores on the underside of its jaw that allow it to detect the vibrations of moving prey in murky water.