Fin's Fish Guide
The True fera (Coregonus fera) is a freshwater fish of the family Salmonidae that grows up to 55 cm.
Was endemic to Lake Geneva (Lac Léman) in Switzerland and France, in open, deep fresh water; now considered extinct.
Description
The true fera was a whitefish of the family Salmonidae reaching about 55 cm and endemic to Lake Geneva. Like its relatives it was a slender, silvery salmonid with an adipose fin between the dorsal and tail fins and a nearly terminal mouth. It lived in schools in the open, deep fresh water of the lake and fed on zooplankton and small invertebrates; in winter it spawned in deep water. The fera was a valued food fish. Through overfishing, pollution and hybridisation with other whitefish it disappeared: the last catches date from around 1920, and the species has since been regarded as Extinct (EX). The whitefish of Lake Geneva form a taxonomically difficult, much-altered complex.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the True fera?
The True fera has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Extinct whitefish species from Lake Geneva; slender, silvery salmonid with an adipose fin, known only from old descriptions.
Where does the True fera live?
The True fera lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Was endemic to Lake Geneva (Lac Léman) in Switzerland and France, in open, deep fresh water; now considered extinct.
How big does the True fera get?
The True fera grows to a maximum of about 55 cm.
Is the True fera dangerous to humans?
No, the True fera is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the True fera edible?
Yes, the True fera is commonly eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
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Status & sources
Same genus Coregonus
More from the family Salmonidae
Want the complete picture on the True fera?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the True fera is one of 12,519 species in the app.