Fin's Fish Guide
The Common whitefish (Coregonus clupeaformis) is a brackish-water fish of the family Salmonidae that grows up to 100 cm.
Description
The lake whitefish is a salmonid (Salmonidae) from North America. The species grows to about one metre and has a streamlined, silvery body with a small, inferior mouth and an adipose fin, characteristic of whitefishes. It inhabits large, cold lakes and rivers and can enter brackish water; it is primarily a lake dweller living in schools close to the bottom. With its inferior mouth it searches the bottom for small invertebrates such as insect larvae, molluscs and crustaceans. The lake whitefish is a very important commercial and sport fish with tasty flesh. It is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Common whitefish?
The Common whitefish has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Small inferior mouth and adipose fin; important commercial whitefish of large, cold lakes.
Where does the Common whitefish live?
The Common whitefish lives in brackish water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. North America; large, cold lakes and rivers, sometimes brackish water.
How big does the Common whitefish get?
The Common whitefish grows to a maximum of about 100 cm. On average the species is around 54 cm.
Is the Common whitefish dangerous to humans?
No, the Common whitefish is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Common whitefish edible?
Yes, the Common whitefish is commonly eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Coregonus
More from the family Salmonidae
Want the complete picture on the Common whitefish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Common whitefish is one of 12,519 species in the app.