RELATIVE WEIGHT AS A CONDITION INDEX FOR MUSKELLUNGE

Weight-length data were obtained for 45 muskellunge (Esox masquinongy) populations (N=4,343) from 16 states to develop a standard weight (Ws ) equation that would allow calculation of relative weight (Wr) values . We developed a 75-percentile equation using the regression-line-perc entile method. The proposed equation, based on all fish combined, is l og10Ws(g) = -6.066 + 3.325 log10TL(mm). The English equivalent for thi s equation is log10Ws(lb) = -4.052 + 3.325 log10TL(in). This equation is useful for 38 cm and longer muskellunge, and there was no evidence of consistent trends in increasing or decreasing Wr with increasing fi sh length. Because muskellunge can be sexed based on external characte ristics, we also developed separate Ws equations for male and female m uskellunge. However, Wr values calculated with the combined equation w ere quite similar (Wr values within 1-2) to those for values calculate d from the female-only Ws equation. Values calculated with the male-on ly Ws equation were slightly more variable.