Tiger musky are a cross between northern pike and muskellunge. They are similar in form to pike or musky; however, they have the scaled gill cover of a pike and the body markings of a musky. They usually have five pores under each side of the jaw, similar to a pike.
Common Names: tiger musky
Habitat
Similar to musky, tiger musky are often found in shallow weedy areas of lakes or rivers. “Cabbage weeds” provide ideal habitat for tiger musky. They are often associated with cover such as heavy vegetation, stumps and logs. They generally prefer much warmer water than northern pike. Tiger musky can occur in the wild where pike and musky coexist, and they are also a result of extensive stocking.
Spawning Patterns
Tiger musky are mainly a stocked fish but there are instances of naturally occurring crosses. In these instances, the female is often fertile but rarely is the male.
Diet
Tiger musky prefer large prey items, especially fish; however, they will also eat crayfish, frogs, mice, muskrats, and young waterfowl.
Age and Size
Tiger musky are thought to be generally faster growing than musky or pike; however, there is not a lot of detailed age and growth information available.
Fish illustration ©CURTIS ATWATER (www.natureartists.com/atwaterc.htm)
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