Hi Guys. My Nephew caught a 42 inch fish in Canada. We debate about whether it is a Pike or a Muskie. It is very broad across the head and is colored just like a Muskie. It is much heftier than a standard pike of the same size. Also, the tooth structure is very pronounced - very large thick teeth. The lodge where he was staying said that there are no muskies in the lake, only pike. So, he is certain that it is a strangely colored pike. Someone told me that there is a method of determining the species by counting the small vent holes on the lower jaw. Does anyone know the details on this? This fish has eight small vent holes on each side of the lower jaw. For my curiousity, I would like to positively identify the species. Thanks, Ohio fisherman

Pike have 5 dots under the jaw, muskie have 7 or more.

The Esox masquinongy (the Muskellunge): Pores on each side of ventral surface of lower jaw, six or more; body with dark vertical bars or spots or with no marks on light background; lower half of cheek usually wholly or partially without scales.

The Esox lucius (the Northern Pike): Pores on each side of ventral surface of lower jaw, 5 or less; body with small light spots on dark background (vertical bars in juveniles; cheek always entirely scaled.

According to these descriptions, it looks like you caught a muskie. Hope this helps.

S.v.m.

Remember to always keep your eyes open and your feet dry.

http://www.muskiesinc.org/mainmenu.cfm

Hi Guys. Thanks for the great information on this fish. I have always insisted that the fish was a musky, not a pike. However, my nephew insisted that the fish was a pike since the lodge owners told him that there are absolutely no muskies in the lake - never, ever, etc. Of course, there are many trophy pike in the lake. So, my nephew accepted that he had caught a pike with strange coloration.

The information provided here confirms that the fish is definitely a musky!

Thanks again for all the help.

Ohio fisherman

An even easier way to tell is by the tail. A pike's tail has rounded lobes, muskies are pointed (and red.)

Tom B

It's amazing at how many lodge/resort owners know nothing about the lake they make a living from. Any one had that experience? "No walleyes in this lake"
Something is fishy around here.