Distinguishing Features - The muskellunge has a long and slender body with eyes placed high on its head. It has either spots or dark vertical bars on a light colored background. The tail fin is forked with pointed lobes.
Scales cover upper half of cheek and gill covers.
Habitat Found throughout NW Ontario in shallow weedbeds in early summer and near drop-offs towards fall. Spawning occurs in the spring after ice break-up, along marshy shorelines. The muskellunge is legendary for its is a great fighting spirit. Although the main diet consists of fish, like its cousin, the northern pike, it will also feed on frogs, crayfish, mice and ducklings.