Growth rates of muskellunge vary throughout their range. Fish growth depends on the availability of forage fish of adequate size and quantity. Muskellunge may grow 10 to 12 inches long during their first growing season. Female fish grow larger and faster, and live longer than males. Females may weigh up to 70 lbs and live for approximately 20 years.
Muskellunge are ambush predators which dart out of cover to capture their prey.
Northern pike, perch, black bass, rock bass and sunfish will prey upon young muskellunge. Northern pike spawn earlier than muskellunge and in similar locations. Pike may compete directly with muskellunge for food, space and spawning habitat. Northern pike appear to be more tolerant of cold water temperatures and seem to prefer lakes. Muskellunge are more successful in river environments.