Editing Muskellunge (section)

==Subspecies and hybrids==
Though interbreeding with other pike species can complicate the classification of some individuals, [[Zoology|zoologists]] usually recognize up to three [[subspecies]] of muskellunge.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.seagrant.wisc.edu/greatlakesfish/becker.html|title=Fish and Fisheries|last=Grant|first=UW Sea|website=Seagrant.wisc.edu|access-date=December 30, 2017}}</ref>
* The Great Lakes Muskellunge or Spotted Muskellunge (''E. m. masquinongy'') is the most common variety in the Great Lakes basin and surrounding area. The spots on the body form oblique rows.{{citation needed|date=March 2024}}
* The Chautauqua Muskellunge or Barred Muskellunge (''E. m. ohioensis'') is known from the Ohio River system, [[Chautauqua Lake]], [[Lake Ontario]], and the St Lawrence River.{{citation needed|date=March 2024}}
* The Clear Muskellunge (''E. m. immaculatus'') is most common in the inland lakes of Wisconsin, Minnesota, northwestern Ontario, and southeastern [[Manitoba]].{{citation needed|date=March 2024}}

The [[tiger muskellunge]] (''E. masquinongy'' × ''lucius'' or ''E. lucius'' × ''masquinongy'') is a [[Hybrid (biology)|hybrid]] of the muskie and northern pike. Hybrids are sterile, although females sometimes unsuccessfully engage in spawning motions. Some hybrids are artificially produced and planted for anglers to catch. Tiger muskies grow faster than pure muskies, but do not attain the ultimate size of their pure relatives, as the tiger muskie does not live as long.{{citation needed|date=March 2024}}