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Muskie – or muskellunge, to give them their own name – and Pike are easily confused because they are both large, carnivorous fish. Both are ambush predators and will eat just about anything they come across. In fact, they look quite similar, so it’s easy to think they’re the same fish, even if they’re not.
So, how similar are they really? Well, for starters, one is bigger than the other. They also have differently shaped tails and one has more sensory pores than the other. One has light spots on a dark background, while the other has dark spots on a light background. Join us as we explore all the differences between these ferocious fish.
Compare Pike to Muskie
Muskie and pike are both fresh water fish and apex predators and at first glance there is little difference between them. But if we look more closely, they are not exactly the same. In fact, there are some key differences between them, including some that make it easy to determine exactly which is which.
Check out the chart below to learn some of the key differences.
| Pike | muskie | |
| Measure | Average 16 to 22 inches, but registered up to 60 inches | Usually 24 to 48 inches |
| Venue | Northern Hemisphere, especially Eastern Europe, Canada, and the U.S | native to North America |
| Habitat | Shallow streams and Lakes – often where there is a lot of vegetation. Occasionally found in brackish water | Lakes and rivers – usually between weeds and rocks |
| Colour | Usually dark green fading to yellow or white on the belly. Has light spots or stripes on the flanks | Light silver, brown or green with dark stripes or spots on the flanks |
| Sensory pores | 6 or less on each side | 7 or more on each side |
| gill cover | Scale on both top and bottom halves | Only scales on the top half, none on the bottom half |
| Caudale (tail) fin | rounded lobes | Sharp, pointed lobes |
| Lifespan | 10 to 15 years | Up to 30 years |
The 5 main differences between Muskie and Pike
Muskie vs Pike: Size
One of the main differences between muskie and pike is the size difference. In general, muskie is much larger than pike and between 28 and 48 inches in length. Pikes are usually between 16 and 22 inches in length, although extremes of up to 60 inches have been recorded.
Muskie vs Pike: Location & Habitat
Pike is found all over the Northern Hemisphere, especially in the East Europe, Canada, and the U.S. They can live in much shallower water than muskies and are generally found in streams or shallow lakes. However, they are sometimes found in brackish water. Muskies, on the other hand, are only native to North America. Both fish prefer areas with lots of weeds and vegetation in the water and rocky areas.
Muskie vs Pike: Color
The most noticeable difference between muskie and pike is the difference in their color. The easiest way to remember it is that muskies have dark spots on a light background, while pike have light spots on a dark background. Muskies are light silver, brown or green and have dark spots or stripes on their flanks. Pike are dark green with yellow or white bellies and have light colored spots on their flanks.
Muskie vs Pike: Sensory Pores
Both muskie and pike have sensory pores on their lower jaws that are used to detect movement, vibration and water pressure. However, the number of sensory pores they have differs. They look like small holes making them easy to count. Pike has six pores or less on each side of their jaw, while muskie has seven or more on each side.
Muskie vs Pike: Gill Cover
Another difference is the location of the scales on their gill covers. Pike have scales on both the top and bottom half of their gill covers while muskies have them only on their top halves.
Muskie vs Pike: Tail Fin
Another key difference between the two is the appearance of their caudal fin. Pike has moderately rounded caudal fin lobes while muskie has much more pointed lobes. The same goes for their second dorsal fins – pikes have rounded dorsal fins, while muskies have sharp and pointed ones.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Are musk and pike from the same family group?
Yes, muskie and pike are both from the family group Esocidae including pike, pickerels and mudminnows. They are also of the same sex Esox.
Can muskie and pike live together?
Yes, there are areas in North America where both muskie and pike are seen and caught in the same area. The main places where they coexist are the Great Lakes, the St. Lawrence River, and Lake Wibagoon. Areas where both muskie and pike are found together are generally large enough that there is enough prey to keep them both alive without the need for competition for food.
Do muskie and pike have predators?
No, they have no significant natural enemies. Muskie are considered apex predators, although other muskies, pike and trout occasionally prey on juveniles. Like muskies, pike is an apex predator and we humans are their biggest threat. However, otters, other fish, and a little birds of prey sometimes hunt young.
Do muskie and pike eat the same things?
Yes, muskie and pike have similar diets. Both are the best predators in their habitats, hunting by lurking and then ambush their prey with a devastating burst of speed. Muskie and pike both eat almost anything fish they encounter, as well as small
ma
mmals, birds, and occasionally insects.
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