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Muskellunge or muskie
(Esox masquinongy) are large, relatively rare freshwater fish
of North America. They are the largest member of the pike family,
Esocidae. Their native range includes the St. Lawrence River,
Great Lakes, Hudson Bay and Mississippi River basins. The name
muskellunge is thought to be a corruption of the Ojibwa words
maskinonge meaning "ugly fish" and lunge meaning "lake
trout." Another possible etymology stems from maggue allongee,
the name given to the fish by early French settlers meaning "long
face."
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Growing to lengths
of 71-183 centimetres (2-6 feet) and weights of over 30 kilograms
(66 pounds), muskellunge are powerful predators known for their
ferocity. Anglers seek mature animals as coveted trophies or simply
for a good fight. While normally solitary animals, Muskellunge
have been known to form small schools in lakes where prey is plentiful.
Found in cold, clear lakes and large rivers, muskellunge closely
resemble the northern pike in both appearance and behaviour. Like
the pike, their bodies are elongate with flat heads and dorsal,
pelvic and anal fins set far back of the head. This is the classic
lie-in-wait or ambush predator body plan: Muskellunge lurk among
the weeds and floating plants where they wait for an opportune
moment to strike. Their linear speed is had at the expense of
manoeuvrability. When not darting at targets, muskie prefer to
remain stationary.
Above Images Come From The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
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