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.
Where does the Brownback whitefish live?
The Brownback whitefish lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom.
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.
Is the Brownback whitefish edible?
The Brownback whitefish is rarely eaten.
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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
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