Fin's Fish Guide
The Powan (Coregonus clupeoides) is a freshwater fish of the family Salmonidae that grows up to 38 cm.
Endemic to a few large, cool lakes of Scotland, such as Loch Lomond and Loch Eck, in deep, clear fresh water.
Description
The powan is a slender salmonid of the family Salmonidae reaching about 38 cm. The streamlined, silvery body has a blue-grey back and an adipose fin between the dorsal and tail fins, characteristic of the salmonids. The species is a whitefish endemic to a few large, cool lakes of Scotland, such as Loch Lomond and Loch Eck, where it lives in schools in deep, clear water. In open water it filters zooplankton and seeks small bottom invertebrates. In winter it spawns on shallow gravel banks. Because of its very limited range the powan is vulnerable to water pollution, introduced exotics and eutrophication; it is assessed as Vulnerable (VU) and is the subject of conservation, including stocking into additional lakes as a back-up population.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Powan?
The Powan has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Slender, silver salmonid with an adipose fin; a whitefish that is endemic to a few Scottish lakes.
Where does the Powan live?
The Powan lives in fresh water and is mostly found around open water. Endemic to a few large, cool lakes of Scotland, such as Loch Lomond and Loch Eck, in deep, clear fresh water.
How big does the Powan get?
The Powan grows to a maximum of about 38 cm.
Is the Powan dangerous to humans?
No, the Powan is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Powan edible?
The Powan is rarely eaten.
More photos
Want the complete picture on the Powan?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Powan is one of 12,519 species in the app.
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 Powan?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Powan is one of 12,519 species in the app.