Fin's Fish Guide
The Brownback whitefish (Prosopium coulterii) is a freshwater fish of the family Salmonidae that grows up to 28 cm.
Description
The pygmy whitefish is a small salmonid from cold fresh water of northern North America and East Asia. The species grows to about 28 cm and has a slender, silvery body with an adipose fin and a small, inferior mouth. As a near-bottom fish it lives in cold, deep lakes and clear rivers and feeds on small bottom crustaceans, insect larvae and molluscs. The fish is harmless to humans and has limited commercial value. The IUCN assesses the species as Least Concern (LC).
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Brownback whitefish?
The Brownback whitefish has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Slender silvery body with an adipose fin; cold-water bottom forager
Where does the Brownback whitefish live?
The Brownback whitefish lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Northern North America and East Asia
How big does the Brownback whitefish get?
The Brownback whitefish grows to a maximum of about 28 cm. On average the species is around 11 cm.
Is the Brownback whitefish dangerous to humans?
No, the Brownback whitefish is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.
Is the Brownback whitefish edible?
The Brownback whitefish is rarely eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Prosopium
More from the family Salmonidae
Want the complete picture on the Brownback whitefish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Brownback whitefish is one of 12,519 species in the app.