Fin's Fish Guide
The European whitefish (Coregonus macrophthalmus) is a freshwater fish of the family Salmonidae that grows up to 30 cm.
Fresh water of the large pre-Alpine lakes of Central Europe, in deep, cool and oxygen-rich water; part of a species-rich, local whitefish complex.
Description
The Alpine whitefish, locally called blaufelchen, is a slender whitefish of the family Salmonidae reaching about 30 cm. The streamlined, silvery body has a blue-grey back, large eyes, an adipose fin between the dorsal and tail fins and a slightly inferior mouth. The species is a deep-water whitefish of the large pre-Alpine lakes of central Europe, such as Lake Constance, where it lives in schools in deep, cool, oxygen-rich water. In open water it filters zooplankton, mainly water fleas and copepods. It spawns in winter in deep water. The whitefish of the Alpine lakes form a species-rich, taxonomically difficult complex. With its fine flesh the Alpine whitefish is a valued commercial and sport fish; through eutrophication and recovery problems it is assessed as Endangered (EN).
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the European whitefish?
The European whitefish has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Slender, silver whitefish with large eyes and an adipose fin; a deep-water whitefish of the large Alpine lakes.
Where does the European whitefish live?
The European whitefish lives in fresh water and is mostly found around open water. Fresh water of the large pre-Alpine lakes of Central Europe, in deep, cool and oxygen-rich water; part of a species-rich, local whitefish complex.
How big does the European whitefish get?
The European whitefish grows to a maximum of about 30 cm.
Is the European whitefish dangerous to humans?
No, the European whitefish is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the European whitefish edible?
Yes, the European whitefish is commonly eaten.
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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 whitefish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the European whitefish is one of 12,519 species in the app.