Comparative population characteristics of muskellunge (Esox masquinongy), northern pike (E. lucius), and their hybrid (E. masquinongy × E. lucius)

As studied for five years after their introduction into three Ohio reservoirs, muskellunge grew slower than northern pike and tiger muskellunge through the first year but faster than northern pike in subsequent years. Large stocked esocids (180-205 mm) survived better than small ones (145mm). Survival patterns established through the first fall were maintained through age 5; northern pike survived best, followed by muskellunge and tiger muskellunge. Gizzard shad Dorosoma cepedianum dominated esocid diets for all taxa and age classes, followed by centrarchids and cyprinids. Northern pike selected larger gizzard shad than either muskellunge or tiger muskellunge. These differences in population characteristics among esocids should influence management and stocking programs. -from Authors