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| As part of larger study of the evolution of pike and muskellunge, I am looking into the genetics of hybridization of esocids in the wild. As a DNA source, we use scale samples or small clips of fin tissue submitted by anglers and state or provincial management agencies.
Among the questions we're addressing are:
(1)What is the direction of hybridization in the wild (i.e, pike-father muskie-mother and/or muskie-father pike-mother)?
(2)Are some hybrids fertile (as would be evidenced by back-crosses with either parent species)?
(3)What conditions promote hybridization (stocking, recent invasion by either species, habitat destruction, etc.)?
I should emphasize here that it is 'natural' hybrids that are the subject of this research, not those originating from hatcheries. Any hybrid caught in Canada can only be 'natural' as such fish are not cultured here.
I'm interested in 'natural' hybrids from any state or province.
Among Ontario waters, which I'm more familiar with, are several systems in which natural hybrids are unusually common. Among these are:
NW Ontario, Dryden District, Indian Lake Chain (particularly the lower reaches including Corner and Langton Lakes);
NW Ontario, Sioux Lookout District, Little Vermilion lake system, including Closs, Hooch and Muskie.
S.Central Ontario, Kawartha/Trent Severn System, Canal Lake.
I've been told that there are numerous waters in WI and MN that also produce 'catchable numbers' of hybrids.
If you perennially fish such waters and typically catch a few hybrids each year, please consider getting involved in this project. I am looking for anglers to (1) collect some scales and (2) submit a photo from any suspected hybrids they catch. I will provide all contributors with a letter of acknowledgment that includes a preliminary genetic analysis of their sample.
If you're interested in participating, please contact me to arrange for a sampling kit (scale envelopes and detailed instructions):
An email link for me can be found at:
http://www.nrdpfc.ca/bios/mikebutler.html
Michael Butler
Natural Resources DNA Profiling and Forensic Centre
Trent University
1600 West Bank Drive
Peterborough, Ontario K9J 7B8
CANADA
Lab: (705) 755-2261
Fax: (705) 748-1026
Many thanks,
M
Edited by Michael B 6/8/2003 11:22 AM
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Posts: 585
Location: Gaithersburg, Maryland | I fish for stocked Tigers. I don't see whey there would be a difference whether they are stocked or not. I've talked to biologists here in Maryland about Tigers. In the wild, sex of parents can be of either species. In the hatcheries, they prefer a male northern and female musky. This results in more eggs according to the biologists. Size of the fish is determined by what they eat. They live 10-12 years. We are catching (probably) fish that were stocked in 1992. They are approaching 30 lbs. and 50" in length. We are allowed one a day with a 36" min. Of course, nobody keeps them that is serious about fishing for them.
Edited by muskiekid 6/8/2003 8:34 PM
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Edited by Michael B 6/8/2003 9:59 PM
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Posts: 7
| You're quite right Tom. In the wild, the cross can happen both ways; however, the reciprocal cross doesn't happen with equal frequency. In the wild, what conditions do you think would favour each of the combos? |
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Posts: 585
Location: Gaithersburg, Maryland | Great subject & good question. I don't know the answer since I have not heard of it ever occuring here. We do have Northern Pike and I have heard random reports of "naturals (from DNR friends)." We do have Tigers in locations with Northerns AND "naturals." However, we do not have Northerns AND "naturals" in the same bodies of water. FYI: The Hagerstown, Maryland prison facility is now breeding Tigers (the prisoners are doing it). Think that may be why the fish have stripes? Jim Smith, past Muskies, Inc. President started the Tiger stocking program in Colorado. I believe he would be a great source for you. I emailed him a while back and he was willing to help me out (via email) in my quest for knowledge. He's listed on their website if you need his email address.
I have a non-profit site (fun and learning thing) and forum (just started) dedicated to Tiger Muskie fishing. If you would like to visit, you would be really welcome. Not a whole lot of info. down here in Maryland. Any input is of great value and really appreciated. Thanks - Tom
Edited by muskiekid 6/9/2003 4:05 PM
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