northern pike and muskellunge look very similar and are sometimes confused. the northern has light colored markings on a dark body (the opposite of the musky). also the northern has a rounded tail fins while the musky's are pointed. the northern has a long body. it has a large number of very sharp teeth. the northern is the only member of the pike family with spots on its side that are lighter than the body color. another difference is they have five or less pores under the jaw; muskies have six or more.