What Is a Tiger Muskie?

Tiger muskies are aggressive and strong fish that wait for their prey in weed beds, rocks and stones, and pounce on fish, muskrats or ducklings by surprise. Generally tiger muskies prefer cool water temperatures and like to stay in deep areas of lakes in warm or hot weather conditions. This type of fish is a cross between a northern pike and muskie. It also is sought after in sports fishing when anglers want a large catch for a trophy fish.

  1. Characteristics

    • This type of fish has characteristics from the northern pike and the muskie. The tiger muskie has light marks on a blue-green background similar to a muskie's, and round tail fins similar to a northern pike's. Scales cover the upper section of the gills and the area along the cheeks. Additionally, the bottom section of the jaw has five to seven pores on both sides.

    Spawning

    • A tiger muskie grows faster than its parents during its first years, but it does not get as big as its parents as an adult. Typically, northern pikes and muskies produce tiger muskies in hatcheries. However, some of these fish reproduce in natural habitats such as lakes. Reproduction usually occurs in April or May every year. The hybrid offspring is infertile and does not have the ability to reproduce.

      Fish managers generally place tiger muskies in lakes that have a large number of anglers. However, fish managers place pure-strain muskies in lakes that can handle the reproduction populations of the fish.

    Food

    • These fish ambush their prey. They swallow their prey whole, usually head first. Tiger muskies prefer soft-fin fish such as small carp, minnows, suckers and fallfish. However, this fish will eat other animals swimming in lakes, such as ducklings. Additionally, the muskie has the ability to capture fish up to 45 percent of their own length.

    Trophy Fish

    • Tiger muskie are considered trophy fish. A trophy female tiger muskie is usually 50 inches or larger. These fish are generally 15 years old or older. Male tiger muskies usually span 45 to 49 inches in length. Normally, it is rare that a male tiger muskie reaches 50 inches.