Coregonus

Cisco

Coregonushoyi

Coregonus lavaretus maraena 1

Error creating thumbnail:

Coregonus nelsonii

Coregonus pidschian cropped

Coregonus is a genus of fish in the Salmonidae family, which also includes salmon, trout, and char. The Coregonus species are commonly known as whitefishes. They are native to cold, freshwater environments of the Northern Hemisphere, including Europe, Asia, and North America. Coregonus species are important both ecologically and economically. They are targeted by commercial, subsistence, and recreational fisheries and are also used in aquaculture.

Description

Coregonus species vary widely in size and form but generally have a laterally compressed body, a small head, a forked tail, and a mouth that is positioned terminally or subterminally, depending on the species. Their coloration can vary but is usually silvery with a darker back. The size of these fish can range from small, at just a few centimeters, to much larger specimens over 50 cm in length, depending on the species and the environment.

Habitat and Distribution

Coregonus species are found in freshwater lakes, rivers, and streams. They have a preference for cold, well-oxygenated waters. Some species are known to inhabit brackish waters as well. Their distribution spans across the Northern Hemisphere, with a significant presence in the Great Lakes of North America, the lakes of Northern Europe, and the Arctic and sub-Arctic regions of Russia.

Diet

The diet of Coregonus species primarily consists of zooplankton, insects, and small fish. Their feeding habits can vary significantly with the environment and the availability of food sources. Some species have specialized feeding adaptations, including unique gill raker structures that allow them to efficiently filter zooplankton from the water.

Reproduction

Reproduction in Coregonus species typically involves mass spawning events where females release eggs into the water column to be fertilized externally by males. Spawning usually occurs in late autumn or early winter, and the specific timing can vary by species and location. The eggs are deposited in a variety of substrates, ranging from open water to gravel beds in streams.

Conservation

Many Coregonus species are considered to be at risk due to a variety of factors, including overfishing, habitat loss, pollution, and climate change. Conservation efforts are in place in various regions to protect these species, including habitat restoration, fishing regulations, and the establishment of protected areas.

Economic Importance

Coregonus species are of significant economic importance in many regions. They are harvested commercially for their meat, which is considered to be of high quality. In addition, they are popular among recreational anglers. Some species are also raised in aquaculture for food production.