Page 1 of 1

photo of 51 inch Albino Muskie

Posted: Wed Oct 20, 2010 1:54 pm
by KUP
This just in from www.muskiesinc.org. Look for more info and more pictures in the December issue of MUSKIE Magazine.

The lucky angler was Paul Parise - Ladysmith, WI.
Caught on Thornapple Flowage (Flambeau River) Rusk County, WI
October 6, 2010 caught on a Bulldawg,
51 inches long, approx. 34 lbs.
This muskie was released.
This probably will become the "Pending World Record Albino Muskie". By the way in the Lunge Log it is Fish I.D.297017

This muskie is an albino per Timothy Simonson, Wisconsin DNR: White muskies are indeed very rare. There is no difference between "white" and "albino". Albinism is a partial or complete lack of the pigment melanin, which gives color to the skin and eyes. Albinism can occur across a wide spectrum, ranging from blotchy white spots to completely white. It is a congenital condition (the animal is born with it) and it is a rare but normal occurrence resulting from a genetic disorder. It is not a disease, it is inherited from the parents via a recessive gene.

The growth and development of an albino is typically the same as that of a normal individual. They also typically have the ability to reproduce.

Occasionally, the eyes of albinos animals appear red or pink because they becomes transparent due to the absence of pigment, which allows the retinal blood vessels to show through. This in not always the case (in other words, you don't have to have pink eyes to be an albino).

The survival rate of albino animals in the wild is usually low because they lack their protective camouflage and thus are usually unable to conceal themselves from predators or prey; Most of them RARELY reach adulthood. SO, a fish of this size is truly a rare specimen!!!

Tim Simonson, CFP
Bureau of Fisheries Management
PO BOX 7921, 101 S Webster Street
Madison, WI 53707

RE:photo of 51 inch Albino Muskie

Posted: Sat Oct 23, 2010 9:14 am
by bad esox
Kup,

A very rare fish indeed. It is the first one I have ever seen. It is great that they were able to get some good photo's of it for "Muskie" Magazine before releasing it back into the water.

Very cool!

RE:photo of 51 inch Albino Muskie

Posted: Mon Oct 25, 2010 9:49 am
by bcalvert
That is an awesome display of nature!