Humpback whitefish
📖 Overview
Adults inhabit coastal waters near shore , lower reaches of rivers with slow current, large lakes with tributaries, floodplain lakes, deltas and estuaries, brackish waters . They migrate up to more than 1,200 km inland for spawning and overwinter near river mouths . There are non-migratory freshwater populations. Adults feed mostly on mollusks, crustaceans and chironomid larvae .
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 11 - 13; Anal spines: 0; Anal soft rays: 10 - 14; Vertebrae: 58 - 63. Distinguished by the gill rakers that are longer than 20% of the interorbital width, 19 to 25 gill rakers (with modal counts of 22 or 23), and a pronounced hump behind the head in adults . Adipose fin well developed, often larger in males; axillary process present in pelvic fins . Dark brown to midnight blue above fading to silver on sides and wide beneath; no parr marks in young .: fusiform / normal.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Humpback whitefish is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
Upstream spawning migrations may be extensive but some populations seldom venture far upstream and still others may never go to sea at all . Mature adults migrate upstream as early as June to spawn in October. It is assumed that the young hatch in late winter and spring, subsequently moving downstream, to return as mature adults 4 to 6 years later .
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; freshwater; brackish; demersal; potamodromous . Polar; 71°N - 44°N, 5°W - 133°W Arctic Ocean basin, from Finland (lapland) to eastern Siberia, Alaska, and Canada eastward to Mackenzie drainage.
🌿 Ecology
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Coregonus Pidschian is an edible species."
- Clear, bright eyes — cloudy eyes indicate age
- Firm flesh that springs back when pressed
- Fresh ocean smell, never strong or ammonia-like
- Bright red or pink gills, not grey or brown
- Shiny, moist skin with scales tightly attached
- Cloudy or sunken eyes
- Strong fishy or ammonia odour
- Soft, mushy flesh that doesn't spring back
- Discoloured or dry flesh
⚡ Nutrition
Per 100g cooked - Source: USDA FoodData Central
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Protein | 17.7 g |
| Omega-3 (total) | 619 mg |
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Humpback whitefish has not yet been assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.
🌿 Sustainability
🔬 Full Nutritional Profile
Per 100g - Raw, per 100g - Source: USDA FoodData Central templates (oily fish average)
📊 Population Dynamics
| Year | Region | Index | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| - | - | - |
🔍 Similar Species
👥 Community & Contribute
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