Fin's Fish Guide
The European cisco (Coregonus albula) is a freshwater fish of the family Salmonidae that grows up to 48 cm.
Northern and Central Europe, in cool, deep and oxygen-rich lakes; locally also in the brackish water of the Baltic Sea.
Description
The vendace or European cisco is a slender salmonid of the family Salmonidae usually 20-30 cm and exceptionally about 48 cm. The streamlined, silvery body has a blue-grey back, an adipose fin between the dorsal and tail fins and a slightly projecting lower jaw. The species lives in schools in cool, deep, oxygen-rich lakes of northern and central Europe, locally also in the brackish water of the Baltic. In open water it filters zooplankton, mainly water fleas and copepods. In late autumn and winter it spawns on shallow gravel or sand banks. With its fine flesh the vendace is locally a valued commercial and sport fish, and an important prey for predatory fish.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the European cisco?
The European cisco has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Slender, silver salmonid with an adipose fin and a projecting lower jaw; lives in shoals in cool, deep lakes.
Where does the European cisco live?
The European cisco lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Northern and Central Europe, in cool, deep and oxygen-rich lakes; locally also in the brackish water of the Baltic Sea.
How big does the European cisco get?
The European cisco grows to a maximum of about 48 cm. On average the species is around 20 cm.
Is the European cisco dangerous to humans?
No, the European cisco is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the European cisco edible?
Yes, the European cisco is commonly eaten.
More photos
Easily confused with
These species look like the European cisco and live in the same waters.
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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 European cisco?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the European cisco is one of 12,519 species in the app.