Lake herring

Lake Herring (Coregonus artedi), also known as the cisco, is a species of freshwater whitefish from North America. Lake herring are found in many lakes in the northern parts of North America, including the Great Lakes, Lake Nipigon, and other smaller lakes in Ontario.

Description

Lake herring are small, slender fish that are generally silver in color, with a green or blue back. They have a single dorsal fin, and a deeply forked tail. The average size of a lake herring is about 40 cm (16 in) long and 1 kg (2.2 lb) in weight, but they can reach up to 43 cm (17 in) and 2.3 kg (5 lb).

Habitat and Distribution

Lake herring are found in cold, deep, oligotrophic lakes. They are native to North America and are found in the northern parts of the continent, including the Great Lakes, Lake Nipigon, and other smaller lakes in Ontario. They are also found in the Hudson Bay and Mississippi River basins.

Diet

Lake herring are planktivorous, feeding primarily on zooplankton, but also on small invertebrates and fish larvae.

Reproduction

Lake herring spawn in the late autumn or early winter, in offshore areas with rocky or sandy bottoms. They are broadcast spawners, meaning the eggs and sperm are released into the water and fertilization occurs externally.

Conservation Status

The lake herring population has declined in many areas due to overfishing, habitat loss, and competition with invasive species. However, they are not currently considered endangered or threatened.

Economic Importance

Lake herring are commercially fished in some areas, and are also used as bait for sport fishing. They are also an important food source for many species of fish and birds.

See Also

• Coregonus
• Whitefish (fish)
• Great Lakes