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     Muskellunges are mostly found in the upper Midwest of the U.S., although Muskellunges have been caught as far west as Maine. They have also been caught as far south as Tennessee. Muskellunges, however, are most commonly reeled-in in the great state of Wisconsin. The reason for the diversity of habitats is because they can swim east through flowages of the Great Lakes, and down the Ohio River. In fact because of their great range, Muskellunges are sometimes divided in 3 sub-species. The reason for these 3 sub-species are because of their origin and slightly differing side-bar designs. The sub-species are Esox masquinongy masquinongy, Esox masquinongy ohioensis, and Esox masquinongy immaculates. Most commonly, species are defined by if they can mate, what they look like, or if share a recent ancestor. However, location of origin is rarely used in respect to a 'biological species', so the divisions of Esox masquinongy are rarely acknowledged.  Muskellunges thrive in clear lakes or rivers that also have extensive weed beds. The weed beds are for reproduction, because Muskellunges commonly spawn in shallow weed beds. Muskellunges may also be increasing in Tennessee and Ohio because they can live in safety there. Both of these states have protected portions of their Muskellunge populations. However, they are not the only states that limit legal Muskellunge fishing. Wisconsin has several restrictions, like the minimum legal length is 34 inches and the limit is 1 Muskellunge per day. Recently (2009), some anglers  have been petitioning to increase the legal limit to 50 inches in Wisconsin! Muskellunges are an important organism in their ecosystem. They help to control other organisms' populations, and do a good job of policing their own population sizes because they are so aggressive. Muskellunges are also relatively sedentary animals. They are able to conceal themselves in the same weed bed, or under the same log day after day until they are either moved by hunger or intimidated by a bigger Muskellunge. For current Muskellunge demographics in Wisconsin, please visit http://dnr.wi.gov/fish/musky/. What kind of food lives in these habitats?