Staying Ahead of the Jones

     Muskellunges are very well adapted to be the dominate predators that they are. First, Muskellunges have evolved to the color of their environment; they are usually a green or silver in color. Both of these colors serve well as camouflage from predators when young, and while waiting for prey as adults (if they feel so patient). However, Muskellunges are usually go getters when it comes to pursuing food. For this, Muskellunges have other adaptations that give them the ability to  dominant their niches.  Despite their immense size, Muskellunges are very quick. They have a streamline body and a sharply pointed head, allowing for minimum water resistance. Also, their strong jaws allow for capturing and chewing of prey. These jaws can lock into position and wait for the prey to die in the Muskellunge's mouth. If you ever look at a Muskellunge, you may notice another adaptation: teeth! Not only do they have a lot of teeth, but they are also all very sharp. Also, Muskellunges instinctively grab for prey by their head region. It is very rare to see a Muskellunge approach a potential meal from behind. The final key aspect of Muskellunge's physical characteristic that allow them to be such successful predators is their eyesight. For this reason, Muskellunges are rarely caught in murky lakes--because their keenly developed eyesight is negated by the dirty water.  
   Other general fish adaptations seen in the Muskellunge include a lobed tail and a lateral line system. This series of pores along the side of the fish allow the musky to sense water vibrations. Therefore, they may be able to feel the flopping of an injured fish and race in for an easy meal. Other distinctive features of Muskellunges include their: pointed tail, side bars, and pores on the bottom jaw. The lobed tail allows for greater directional influence with less flaps. In this sense, Muskellunges hold an advantage over their relative Esox lucius, Northern Pike's tails have rounded lobes. The pointed ends of Muskellunges act as a sharper ruder in the water. The sensatory pores on the bottom jaw (usually 6 or more on each side of jaw) act as a lateral line system for the under side of the fish. These pores allow Muskellunges to approximate prey's distance below them, so that they can swoop in a dramatic kill.  What kind of interactions do Muskellunges experience?